RF Communications Lead

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology innovator in the UK is seeking an RF Communications Lead for their Defence & National Security division. The successful candidate will engage with clients and lead technical delivery of RF projects, working in a collaborative environment to solve complex challenges in radio communication systems.

Qualifications

• Strong grounding in RF system design including propagation, protocols, and waveform design.
• Track record of technical delivery within R&D, defence, or mission-critical environments.
• Experience with UK Defence & National Security projects is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for RF communication systems.
• Lead technical bids and system architecture development.
• Collaborate with internal specialists to deliver full-system solutions.

Skills

RF system design

Client-facing roles

Problem-solving

Job description

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A long-standing client of ours, a respected technology innovator in the UK, is seeking an RF Communications Lead to play a central role in the design and development of advanced radio communication systems. This opportunity sits within their Defence & National Security division, supporting a diverse range of projects across low-power, long-range networks and high-performance, software-defined radio platforms.

The RF Communications Lead will join a collaborative environment of engineering and commercial experts, where cross-functional teams work closely with government and defence clients to solve highly technical challenges. The work is varied and intellectually rewarding - combining system design, modelling, experimentation, and prototyping to bring complex solutions to life.

The ideal candidate will bring broad RF systems expertise, strong client-facing capabilities, and a proven ability to lead technical delivery. The role requires someone who can shape technical strategy, engage with stakeholders, and develop work programmes from early concept through to field deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for RF communication systems within Defence and National Security programmes
• Lead or contribute to technical bids, system architecture development, and hands-on delivery of RF projects
• Collaborate with internal technical specialists to deliver full-system solutions, including RF, DSP, embedded software, and AI components
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with client organisations, supporting long-term technical engagement and repeat business
• Support account teams in programme planning, technical strategy, and commercial proposals

Required Experience

• Strong grounding in RF system design, including propagation, protocols, waveform design, and implementation
• Track record of technical delivery within R&D, defence, or mission-critical communication environments
• Prior exposure to client-facing roles - ideally with experience in consultancy, government contracting, or similar
• Experience with UK Defence & National Security projects is highly desirable
• A collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach
• Holding or able to gain SC clearance is a must

About the Client

Our client works on the cutting edge of RF, software, sensing, and secure communications - building tailored systems for defence applications from concept through to deployment. Their multidisciplinary teams span fields such as analogue and RF electronics, software, AI, signal processing, and systems engineering, enabling end-to-end solutions.

Their Defence & Security team delivers bespoke communications and counter-threat solutions - including technologies currently in use supporting frontline personnel - and is now investing further in next-generation systems for future defence needs.

Location & Travel

The technical team is based in Cambridge, with regular UK travel required to client sites and test locations.

If you're an experienced RF Communications Lead looking to take on technically complex, meaningful work in a highly respected engineering environment, please reach out to Zac Taylor at IC Resources.