Project Engineering Lead

API Microwave; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

API Microwave is seeking a skilled RF Engineering Lead to lead the design and development of high-performance RF and microwave systems. In this role, you will oversee projects for aerospace, defence, and space applications, guiding a talented team of engineers while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The successful candidate will possess a relevant degree and significant experience in RF engineering, particularly in high-reliability environments. Strong leadership and technical skills are essential for driving innovation and delivering quality products.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in RF and microwave engineering, including circuit design and simulation.
• Proven experience delivering RF engineering projects in aerospace or defence.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced RF circuits and systems.
• Oversee simulation and validation activities.
• Act as technical authority for RF engineering across projects.

Skills

RF system design

Electromagnetic simulation

Circuit optimisation

RF testing and measurement

Design for manufacturability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering

Tools

ADS

AWR

HFSS

CST

MATLAB

VNAs

spectrum analysers

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and driven RF Engineering Lead to join our Engineering team. This role is pivotal in leading the design, development, and delivery of high-performance RF and microwave systems for aerospace, defence, and space applications. You will combine deep technical expertise with leadership responsibility, guiding a team of RF engineers while ensuring robust, innovative, and manufacturable solutions are delivered across the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced RF circuits, subsystems, and system architectures.
• Define RF system architectures including cascade analysis and link budgets for radar, telemetry, and communication systems.
• Oversee simulation and validation activities using industry-standard tools (e.g. ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, MATLAB).
• Ensure RF designs meet requirements for performance, manufacturability, reliability, and environmental constraints.
• Act as technical authority for RF engineering across projects, supporting design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including systems, mechanical, manufacturing, and quality engineering.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring smooth transition from design to production.
• Lead and line‑manage a team of RF engineers and technicians, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Contribute to bid and proposal activities through technical input, estimation, and risk assessment.
• Engage with customers and external partners to understand requirements and maintain strong technical relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement in RF design methodologies, tools, and engineering practices.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in RF and microwave engineering, including circuit design, simulation, and system integration.
• Proven experience delivering RF engineering projects within aerospace, defence, or similar high‑reliability industries.
• Strong hands‑on experience with RF simulation tools and laboratory test equipment (e.g. VNAs, spectrum analysers).
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams and managing engineering activities.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles and regulated industry standards.

Skills & Competencies

Technical:

• RF system design
• Electromagnetic simulation
• Circuit optimisation
• RF testing and measurement
• Design for manufacturability

Strategic:

• Ability to align engineering solutions with business and customer objectives
• Manage technical risk
• Support long‑term product roadmaps

Interpersonal:

• Strong communication skills
• Effective cross‑functional collaboration
• Ability to influence stakeholders and customers

Leadership:

• Team development
• Mentoring
• Performance management
• Ownership of technical delivery
• Fostering innovation and continuous improvement

Other Requirements

You must be eligible for full security clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.