Principal RF Engineer

TN United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled RF Engineer to join their Electronics team in Edinburgh. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge radar technologies for advanced fighter jets and surveillance systems. You will manage the entire hardware lifecycle, from design to production, while applying your expertise in RF and PCB design. The company fosters innovation and provides a supportive environment for professional growth. With flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, this position is perfect for those eager to make a significant impact in the defence technology sector.

Benefits

Flexible hours and hybrid working options

Company-funded healthcare and dental

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Up to 10% employer pension contribution

Employee wellbeing programs

Discounted gym memberships

Access to 4000+ online courses via Coursera

Referral incentives and management bonuses

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related science.
• Willingness to learn and develop is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full hardware lifecycle of products from concept to production.
• Create high-quality designs and conduct design reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers to solve integration problems.

Skills

RF microwave sub-system design

Microwave design tools (AWR, VSS, ADS, Systemvue, Matlab)

EM simulation techniques (CST)

GaAs/GaN MMIC design

RF synthesizer design (DDS, PLL)

Design of passive microwave structures

Low phase noise design and measurement

PCB schematic capture tools (Mentor)

Lab measurements (signal generation, spectrum analysis, vector network analysis)

Technical report writing and lifecycle management

Education

First or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Tools

AWR

VSS

ADS

Systemvue

Matlab

CST

Mentor

Job description

Job Title: RF Engineer (Senior or Principal Level)

Leonardo, a world-class defence technology company, is seeking a talented RF Engineer to join our Electronics team in Edinburgh. We develop cutting-edge radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Gripen fighter jets, as well as maritime and airborne surveillance systems. We invest heavily in innovation, conducting our own research to fuel future products.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in developing multifunctional RF, PCB, and module designs using the latest technologies. You will enhance your understanding of key design and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage the full hardware lifecycle of products: from concept, detailed design, prototyping, testing, verification, system integration, to production support.
2. Create high-quality, robust designs, conduct design reviews, document work, and manage configurations.
3. Develop multifunctional RF PCB and module designs, improving understanding of design and manufacturing processes.
4. Design test prototypes for validation, verification, and production testing.
5. Perform detailed design activities from requirements capture to verification.
6. Ensure successful completion of design reviews.
7. Prepare manufacturing data packs and provide technical support to manufacturing and subcontractors.
8. Collaborate with Systems, Test, and Electronics engineers to solve integration problems on advanced systems.

Preferred Experience:

• RF microwave sub-system design
• Experience with microwave design tools (AWR, VSS, ADS, Systemvue, Matlab)
• EM simulation techniques (CST)
• GaAs/GaN MMIC design
• RF synthesizer design (DDS, PLL)
• Design of passive microwave structures
• Low phase noise design and measurement
• PCB schematic capture tools (Mentor)
• Lab measurements (signal generation, spectrum analysis, vector network analysis)
• Component selection and requirements management
• Technical report writing and lifecycle management
• Design for manufacture and cost considerations

Qualifications:

First or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related science (e.g., Physics). Personal attributes such as willingness to learn, progress, and develop are highly valued.

Security Clearance:

Required for this role.

Life at Leonardo:

We offer a benefits package, commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours. Our benefits include:

• Flexible hours and hybrid working options
• Company-funded benefits (healthcare, dental, ISA, car scheme, technology/lifestyle allowances)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue additional flexi days
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Employee wellbeing programs and diversity initiatives
• Discounted gym memberships, cycle schemes
• Access to 4000+ online courses via Coursera
• Referral incentives and management bonuses