Radio Frequency Engineer

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell, a British defence and security AI start-up near Cambridge, is seeking exceptional RF Engineers at all levels to design, implement, and optimise high-frequency RF systems for sensing and communications. The role covers antennas, beamforming, SDRs, and RF front-end components in a multidisciplinary team.

Candidates with a strong foundation in RF theory, hands-on lab experience, and the ability to obtain security clearance are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5 years RF design/testing experience (5+ for senior roles; entry-level considered with strong fundamentals)
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analysers, signal generators)
• Strong understanding of phased-array antennas and beamforming
• Experience with SDRs and tools such as GNURadio
• Solid knowledge of RF and microwave theory
• Experience with RF front-end components (LNAs, PAs, filters)
• Security clearance (or ability to obtain one)
• Linux experience and programming skills preferred

Responsibilities

• Designing and optimising RF systems and components (e.g., antennas, filters, amplifiers)
• Working on phased-array antenna design and beamforming technologies
• Testing and validating RF hardware for performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance
• Performing RF simulations using industry tools and modelling environments
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate RF components into larger systems
• Documenting test results, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards

Skills

RF design

Phased-array antennas

Beamforming

RF theory

Modulation standards

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

GNU Radio

SDRs

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Job description

About the Company

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors.

Based near Cambridge, we are seeking exceptional RF Engineers to design, implement, and optimise RF systems for high-frequency communication and sensing applications. This role can suit entry-level, mid-level, or senior candidates, depending on experience, and offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge RF technologies within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and optimising RF systems and components (e.g., antennas, filters, amplifiers)
• Working on phased-array antenna design and beamforming technologies
• Testing and validating RF hardware for performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance
• Performing RF simulations using industry tools and modelling environments
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate RF components into larger systems
• Documenting test results, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards

Requirements

Education - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline

Experience & Technical Skills

• 3–5 years of RF design/testing experience (5+ years for senior roles; entry-level considered with strong fundamentals)
• Hands‑on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum/network analysers, signal generators)
• Strong understanding of phased-array antennas and beamforming
• Experience with SDRs and tools such as GNURadio
• Solid knowledge of RF and microwave theory
• Experience with RF front‑end components (LNAs, PAs, filters)
• Familiarity with RF communication and modulation standards

Preferred

• Linux experience for system setup and testing workflows
• Strong programming skills
• History of patent contributions
• Security clearance (or ability to obtain one)
• Experience with manufacturing processes and quality assurance

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Full UK driving licence required. If this isn’t held, candidates will need to commit to obtaining within 6 months of their start date
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship