RF Design Engineer

Matchtech; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension provision

Flexi leave with additional days

Potential relocation support

Excellent site facilities

Job summary

Our client in the defence and security sector is seeking an RF Design Engineer to support research, design and testing of advanced RF technology for integration into complex weapons systems. Based in Stevenage, the permanent role offers work on cutting-edge defence products within a collaborative engineering environment.

The role involves designing RF circuits, testing with VNAs and spectrum analyzers, and ensuring EMC and thermal performance in harsh environments.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in RF design and testing at component level.
• Strong knowledge of RF design, EMC design, EMC requirements and thermal considerations.
• Understanding of analogue, digital and power supply design.
• Experience designing RF electronics for harsh environments.
• Excellent soldering, fault finding and laboratory testing skills.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, power meters, VNAs).
• Experience using Microwave Office and layout tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, design for manufacture and design for test.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and test RF circuits across 30 MHz to 30 GHz.
• Work on RF technologies including LNAs, high-power amps, filters, LOs, synthesizers and modulators.
• Carry out design proving tests and on-site lab investigations.
• Modify and prototype hands-on electronics, soldering and fault finding on boards.
• Use RF test equipment to validate designs and ensure EMC, thermal performance.

Skills

RF design

Soldering

Lab testing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microwave Office

VNA

Spectrum Analyzers

Power Meters

Job description

Our client, a leading organisation in the defence and security sector, is seeking an RF Design Engineer to support the research, design and testing of advanced radio-frequency technology for integration into complex weapons systems. Based in Stevenage, this permanent role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence products within a collaborative engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing and testing component-level RF circuits across a wide frequency range, from 30MHz to 30GHz
• Working on RF technologies including low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, filters, local oscillators, synthesisers and modulators
• Carrying out design proving tests, trials and investigations in an on-site laboratory
• Performing hands-on modifications, rapid prototyping, soldering and fault finding on electronic boards
• Using RF test equipment, including spectrum analysers, power meters and vector network analysers
• Designing RF solutions suitable for harsh environments, considering EMC, vibration and thermal performance
• Applying RF design tools such as Microwave Office, including circuit layout
• Supporting design for manufacture and test, while communicating technical issues, solutions and results through clear reports and presentations

Job Requirements:

• Practical experience in RF design and testing at component level
• Strong knowledge of RF Design, EMC Design, EMC requirements and thermal considerations
• Understanding of analogue, digital and power supply design
• Experience designing RF electronics for demanding or harsh operating environments
• Excellent practical skills in soldering, fault finding and laboratory testing
• Proficiency with RF test equipment, including spectrum analysers, power meters and VNAs
• Experience using RF design software, preferably Microwave Office, together with relevant layout tools
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, design for manufacture and design for test
• Strong communication, presentation, report writing and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively while using initiative and applying a hands-on approach

Additional Information:

• The role is based in Stevenage and typically involves working on site three to four days per week due to workload classification
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be available, including consideration of part-time working
• Applicants must be British citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship, subject to applicable security requirements
• Successful applicants will be required to complete HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks after offer stage

Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working options where operational requirements allow
• Generous pension provision
• Flexi leave with additional days available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental, paternity and neonatal leave provisions
• Support for fertility testing and treatments
• Excellent site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
• Potential relocation support

If you are an experienced RF Design Engineer with a passion for electronic engineering, EMC, thermal design and advanced defence technology, to take the next step in your career.