RF Design Engineer

MBDA UK; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Pension up to 14%

Overtime opportunity

Flexi Leave 15 days

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking an RF Design engineer to work on cutting-edge radio-frequency technology for integration into complex weapons systems. The role focuses on hands-on design, testing, and rapid prototyping in a collaborative, security-conscious environment at Stevenage.

You will contribute to RF circuit design from 30MHz to 30GHz, including LNA, HPA, filters, and synthesis, with emphasis on robustness in harsh environments and clear communication of results to the team and customers.

Qualifications

• Proven practical RF design and testing across 30MHz–30GHz.
• Harsh-environment RF design experience (EMC, vibration, thermal).
• Hands-on testing and board modifications.
• Soldering and RF test equipment proficiency (SMA, VNAs, spectrum analyzers).
• Knowledge of layout and manufacturing for RF products.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF circuit design and verification for defence products.
• Perform on-site and lab-based design validation and testing.
• Develop rapid prototypes and modifications as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design for manufacture.

Skills

RF design

Soldering

RF testing

Test equipment

Tools

Microwave Office

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for an RF Design engineer to work on the research, design and testing of cutting-edge radio-frequency technology for integration into our complex weapons systems. Job Title: RF Designer Salary: Circa £65,000 depending on experience Location: Stevenage (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role) Dynamic (hybrid) working: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working – such as being onsite when necessary to work with people and collaborate, then working from home and around family commitments to be your most efficient. Typically for this role you will work 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification. In addition, this role could be full time or part time in order to meet your needs. We are flexible and accommodating. Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.

The opportunity:

We’re looking for an RF Design engineer with proven practical design experience for cutting edge defence products. You'll be working on the research, design and testing of cutting-edge radio-frequency technology for integration into our complex weapons systems, with a focus on utilising your hands on experience to carry out modifications or rapid prototypes where required. We need a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for electronic engineering. The role would ideally suit someone who is comfortable carrying out hands on testing and modifications to boards while having a strong background in RF design.

What we’re looking for from you:

• Proven practical RF (component level) design and testing of RF circuits across a wide frequency range ( eg, 30MHz to 30GHz, including LNA Amplifier, High Power Amplifier, filter, local oscillator, synthesiser, modulator design etc)
• RF design experience for harsh environments (EMC, vibration, thermal)
• Ability to perform design proving tests and trials in the onsite laboratory
• Excellent practical skills including soldering, fault finding and the use of RF test equipment including Spectrum Analysers, Power Meters & VNAs
• Good knowledge of digital, analogue and power supply design
• Experience using RF design tools ( eg Microwave Office), including layout.
• Fully conversant with manufacturing techniques and capabilities, including design for manufacture and test.
• Strong communicator with excellent presentation and report writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly any problems, solutions or results to the team and customer.

Our company:

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information. What we do matters. Because defence matters.

As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets. Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.