Principal RF Engineer

Winsearch; Patchway; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Winsearch is recruiting an experienced Principal RF Engineer to join a defence technology organisation in Edinburgh. The role leads RF/microwave hardware development from concept through testing, integration and production support.

You will work with systems, electronics and test engineers on demanding airborne radar projects, with a focus on high-performance RF subsystems and verification.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years' experience in RF circuit design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory.
• Active SC Clearance.
• Sole British National status due to project security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave subsystems, modules and PCB assemblies.
• Support projects throughout the complete hardware lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to integration and production.
• Produce high-quality engineering documentation, technical reports and manufacturing data packs.
• Plan and carry out verification, validation and test activities.
• Support system integration, troubleshooting and performance optimisation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical governance activities.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams and external suppliers.

Skills

RF circuit design

Microwave engineering

RF system integration

VNA

Spectrum analysers

GaAs

GaN technologies

Low phase-noise design

Technical report writing

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering or Physics

Tools

PCB design tools

Microwave design tools

Job description

Principal RF Engineer

Edinburgh | Hybrid Working

12-Month Contract

£68 per hour (Inside IR35)

Active SC Clearance Required

Winsearch is recruiting for an experienced Principal RF Engineer to join a leading defence technology organisation working on the development of next-generation radar and surveillance systems.

This is an opportunity to work on a high-profile programme that will help shape the future of airborne defence technology. You'll join a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for developing advanced RF solutions, contributing from initial concept through to testing, integration and production support.

The Role

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will take a leading technical role in the development of RF and microwave hardware, supporting key projects across the full product lifecycle.

You'll be involved in designing, developing and validating complex RF subsystems while working closely with systems, electronics and test engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for demanding applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave subsystems, modules and PCB assemblies.
• Support projects throughout the complete hardware lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to integration and production.
• Produce high-quality engineering documentation, technical reports and manufacturing data packs.
• Plan and carry out verification, validation and test activities.
• Support system integration, troubleshooting and performance optimisation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical governance activities.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams and external suppliers.

About You

You will be an experienced RF Engineer with a strong understanding of microwave engineering principles and proven experience delivering RF solutions within complex engineering environments.

Experience

• RF and microwave subsystem design
• RF system integration and testing
• Vector Network Analysers, spectrum analysers and signal generation equipment
• Microwave simulation and design tools
• GaAs and GaN technologies
• Passive microwave structures
• Low phase-noise design and measurement
• Technical report writing and design reviews
• Product lifecycle management

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years' experience in RF circuit design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory.
• Active SC Clearance.
• Sole British National status due to project security requirements.

What's on Offer?

• £68 per hour, Inside IR35
• Initial 12-month contract
• Hybrid working arrangement with 3 to 4 days per week onsite in Edinburgh
• Opportunity to work on one of the UK's most advanced defence technology programmes
• Collaborative environment with exposure to cutting-edge radar and RF technologies

If you're an accomplished RF Engineer looking for a technically challenging contract within a world-class engineering environment, we'd be delighted to hear from you.