Radio Frequency Design Engineer

Gattaca; Romsey; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Enhanced pension scheme

Hybrid working

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Gattaca is seeking an experienced RF Design Engineer to craft RF and analogue electronics for advanced defence and national security projects. You’ll move concepts from development to qualification and production, collaborating across disciplines and mentoring junior engineers.

The role offers hybrid working arrangements, a competitive compensation package with bonus, and opportunities to influence technical direction on mission-critical programmes.

Qualifications

• RF modelling and simulation using Microwave Office (AWR) or equivalent.
• PCB design and layout with Altium.
• Experience across LF to X-Band frequencies.
• Hands-on RF test and measurement experience.
• Knowledge of RF and analogue design principles.
• Experience in harsh environments (EMC, vibration, thermal).
• Experience supporting products through verification, qualification, production.
• Experience in Defence, National Security or Aerospace programmes.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) systems experience.
• Receiver design and PNT technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design RF and analogue circuits and systems for defence applications.
• Develop and optimise RF performance models and simulations.
• Produce PCB designs and layouts using Altium.
• Conduct integration, testing, troubleshooting and performance verification.
• Produce technical documentation, test reports and design specifications.
• Support technical reviews and customer-facing activities.
• Collaborate with systems, software and project engineering teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across projects.

Skills

RF modelling

PCB design

Analogue RF design

RF testing

Harsh environments

Defence programmes

EW systems

Receiver design

PNT technologies

Frequency range LF–X-Band

Tools

Microwave Office (AWR)

Altium

Job description

Shape the Future of Defence Technology

Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced RF Design Engineer looking to work on advanced defence and national security projects?

We are seeking a talented engineer to join a highly respected technology organisation developing advanced RF and analogue electronic systems used within defence, electronic warfare, communications, positioning and timing, and next-generation sensing applications.

This is an opportunity to work on technically challenging programmes where innovation, autonomy, and problem-solving are at the heart of project success. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, influence technical direction, and contribute to solutions that help protect national security.

The Role

You will be responsible for the design, simulation, development and testing of RF and analogue electronics, taking concepts from initial development through to qualification and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design RF and analogue circuits and systems for advanced defence applications.
• Develop and optimise RF performance models and simulations.
• Produce PCB designs and layouts using industry-standard tools.
• Conduct integration, testing, troubleshooting and performance verification activities.
• Produce technical documentation, test reports and design specifications.
• Support technical reviews and customer-facing activities.
• Collaborate closely with systems, software and project engineering teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across projects.

What We're Looking For

• RF modelling and simulation using Microwave Office (AWR) or similar tools.
• PCB design and layout experience using Altium.
• Design experience across frequencies from LF through to X-Band.
• Hands-on experience using RF test and measurement equipment.
• Strong understanding of RF and analogue electronic design principles.
• Experience designing for harsh environments, including EMC, vibration and thermal requirements.
• Experience supporting products through verification, qualification and production.
• Defence, National Security or Aerospace programmes.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
• Receiver design and development.
• Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technologies.

Why Apply?

• Work on mission-critical defence and security programmes
• Tackle complex engineering challenges with real-world impact
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Private healthcare and enhanced pension scheme
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Clear technical and leadership career pathways
• Collaborative environment working alongside highly skilled engineers

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance. Candidates should be British citizens and meet the residency requirements associated with obtaining SC and DV clearance.

Interested in finding out more? Apply today or get in touch for a confidential discussion.