Principal RF Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to join their innovative Electronics team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge radar technologies for defense applications, including Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Gripen fighter jets. You will manage the entire hardware lifecycle, develop multifunctional RF designs, and collaborate with talented engineers to solve complex integration challenges. With a commitment to learning and development, this company provides flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an exciting opportunity for passionate engineers looking to make a significant impact in their field.

Benefits

Flexible hours and hybrid working options

Private healthcare

Dental insurance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 10% employer pension contribution

Employee assistance programs

Discounted gym memberships

Access to 4000+ online courses

Referral incentives

Management-level bonus schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in RF microwave subsystem design and lifecycle management.
• Proficient in design tools and EM simulation tools for RF applications.
• Strong educational background in Electrical & Electronic Engineering.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

RF microwave subsystem design

Design tools (AWR, VSS, ADS, Systemvue, Matlab)

EM simulation tools (CST)

GaAs/GaN MMIC design

RF synthesizer design (DDS and PLL)

Passive microwave structures

Low phase noise design and measurement

PCB schematic capture (Mentor)

Lab measurements (spectrum analysis, vector network analysis)

Requirements management

Technical report writing

Design reviews and lifecycle management

Design for manufacture and cost considerations

Education

BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

MEng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

PhD in related fields

Tools

AWR

VSS

ADS

Systemvue

Matlab

CST

Mentor

Job description

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Principal RF Engineer, Newcastle upon Tyne

Client: Leonardo

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Job Category: -

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 49b80429aa1d

Job Views: 8

Posted: 26.04.2025

Expiry Date: 10.06.2025

Job Description:

Job Description:

We are looking for a Senior or Principal RF Engineer to join Leonardo in Newcastle. Leonardo is a world-class defence technology company developing cutting-edge radars for Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Gripen fighter jets, maritime and airborne surveillance systems, and investing in innovation through in-house research. We seek talented, motivated engineers to join our growing Electronics team.

This role offers an opportunity for you to apply your skills in developing multifunctional RF, PCB, and module designs using the latest technologies, and to deepen your understanding of key design and manufacturing processes.

As an RF/Microwave engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the full hardware lifecycle from concept to production support.
• Creating high-quality, robust designs, conducting design reviews, documenting work, and managing configuration control.
• Developing multifunctional RF PCB and module designs with current technologies.
• Designing test prototypes for validation, verification, and production testing.
• Detailing design activities from requirements to verification.
• Ensuring successful design reviews.
• Preparing manufacturing data packs and providing technical support to manufacturing and subcontractors.
• Collaborating with systems, test, and electronics engineers to solve integration problems.

Ideal candidates will have experience in:

• RF microwave subsystem design
• Design tools such as AWR, VSS, ADS, Systemvue, Matlab
• EM simulation tools like CST
• GaAs/GaN MMIC design
• RF synthesizer design using DDS and PLL
• Passive microwave structures
• Low phase noise design and measurement
• PCB schematic capture (e.g., Mentor)
• Lab measurements including spectrum analysis and vector network analysis
• Microwave component selection
• Requirements management
• Technical report writing
• Design reviews and lifecycle management
• Design for manufacture and cost considerations

Qualifications include a first or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related fields like Physics. We value a willingness to learn, develop, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Passion for engineering and technical ability are essential.

Security Clearance: Required

Life at Leonardo

Leonardo offers a benefits package, commitment to learning and development, flexible working hours, and opportunities for career growth:

• Flexible hours and hybrid working options
• Company-funded benefits including private healthcare, dental, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, and lifestyle allowances
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue additional flexi days
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Employee assistance programs, mental health support, diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Discounted gym memberships, cycle-to-work scheme
• Access to 4000+ online courses via Coursera
• Referral incentives
• Management-level bonus schemes