Radio Frequency Team Lead

IR Search BV; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

IR Search BV is seeking an RF Engineer to lead the detailed RF design and development of subsystems. You will work within a defined system architecture, ensuring designs meet performance and quality standards.

This role requires strong hands-on experience in RF design, excellent problem-solving skills, and proactive collaboration across functions.

Your contributions will significantly impact mobile and connected device technology.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in RF Engineering, Electronics, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in RF design across relevant frequency ranges.
• Proven experience leading RF technical delivery on complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF design activities in line with system-level requirements.
• Design, simulate, and validate RF circuits and subsystems.
• Work closely with the System Architect and multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

RF design leadership

RF theory and measurements

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Degree in RF Engineering, Electronics, Physics, or related field

Tools

ADS

AWR

CST

HFSS

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

Our client is a fabless semiconductor company developing breakthrough RF technology that radically simplifies RF front-end architectures for mobile and connected devices. This technology will empower anyone to treat global connectivity as a commodity, effortlessly adding it to any device.

Role Overview

You will lead the detailed RF design, development, and delivery of RF subsystems within a defined system architecture. This role is hands‑on and delivery‑focused, combining deep RF technical expertise with team leadership, mentoring, and cross‑functional collaboration. You will be responsible for ensuring RF designs meet performance, quality, and schedule requirements, working closely with the System Architect and other engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

RF Technical Leadership

• Lead RF design activities across assigned projects in line with system‑level requirements and architecture
• Own subsystem performance, implementation, and technical delivery
• Lead design reviews and provide technical approval for RF designs

RF Design & Development

• Design, simulate, and validate RF circuits and subsystems (e.g. LNAs, PAs, filters, duplexers)
• Translate system and architectural requirements into detailed RF designs
• Support RF trade‑offs and optimisation within given architectural constraints
• Define and execute RF test plans and verification activities
• Analyse RF measurements including S‑parameters, NF, phase noise, EVM, ACPR, and linearity
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis of RF performance issues
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to RF engineers
• Promote best practices in RF design, documentation, and verification
• Support skills development and knowledge sharing within the RF team

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the System Architect, and full multi‑disciplinary team
• Provide RF input to project planning, risk management, and technical decision‑making
• Support manufacturing, production test, and in‑service support activities

Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in RF Engineering, Electronics, Physics, or a related field
• Strong hands‑on experience in RF design across relevant frequency ranges
• Proven experience leading RF technical delivery on complex projects
• Solid understanding of RF theory, measurements, and practical implementation
• Experience using RF simulation and design tools (e.g. ADS, AWR, CST, HFSS)
• Proficient with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.)
• Delivery‑focused with strong technical judgement
• Proactive approach to problem‑solving with a resilient attitude towards ambiguity
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality output