RF Design Engineer

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus: Up to £2,500

Pension: Up to 14% contribution

Paid overtime opportunities

Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Job summary

MBDA in Stevenage is seeking an experienced RF Designer to innovate and test cutting-edge RF technology for defence applications. The role allows for hybrid working arrangements, requiring 3-4 days on-site per week.

The ideal candidate will have practical RF design experience, strong communication skills, and comfort with testing equipment. Salary is circa £65,000, with additional benefits such as performance-based bonuses, enhanced parental leave, and flexi leave.

Qualifications

• Proven RF design experience for harsh environments.
• Ability to perform design proving tests in the laboratory.
• Comfortable with manufacturing techniques and design for test.

Responsibilities

• Research, design and testing of radio‑frequency technology.
• Hands-on modifications or rapid prototyping as required.
• Convey problems, solutions, and results to team and customers.

Skills

RF component-level design

Testing across 30 MHz - 30 GHz

Excellent soldering skills

Use of RF test equipment

Communication and report-writing skills

Tools

Microwave Office

Job description

Job Title

RF Designer

Salary

Circa £65,000 depending on experience

Location

Stevenage (Relocation package may be offered)

Dynamic (hybrid) working

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on‑site and remote working. Typically the role requires 3‑4 days on‑site per week due to workload classification. This role can be full‑time or part‑time, with flexible arrangements to meet your needs.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship required. All successful applicants must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (performance‑based)
• Pension: Up to 14% total contribution (employer + employee)
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working arrangements welcomed
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave; additional enhancements for paternity, neonatal and fertility treatments.
• Facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The opportunity

We're looking for an RF Design engineer with proven practical design experience for cutting‑edge defence products. Responsibilities include research, design and testing of radio‑frequency technology for integration into complex weapons systems, with hands‑on modifications or rapid prototyping as required. The role prefers a team player with initiative, passion for electronic engineering and comfort with board testing and modification.

What we're looking for from you

• Proven practical RF component‑level design and testing across 30 MHz‑30 GHz, including LNA, high‑power amplifiers, filters, LO/synthesiser, modulator design, etc.
• RF design experience for harsh environments (EMC, vibration, thermal)
• Ability to perform design proving tests and trials in the on‑site laboratory
• Excellent soldering, fault‑finding and use of RF test equipment (spectrum analysers, power meters, VNAs)
• Good knowledge of digital, analogue and power‑supply design
• Experience using RF design tools (e.g., Microwave Office) and layout
• Comfortable with manufacturing techniques and capabilities, including design for manufacture and test
• Strong communication, presentation and report‑writing skills, able to convey problems, solutions and results to team and customer

Our company

MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to protecting the UK’s armed forces. Our diversity initiatives include gender equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, ethnic diversity, neurodiversity and disability. We encourage all applicants to discuss any support or adjustments needed during the recruitment process.