RF Test Team Lead

Steatite Limited; Leominster; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Steatite Limited is seeking a technically strong Team Leader for Test, Measurement & Verification to lead our antenna and RF measurement function. This hands-on leadership role combines specialist RF expertise with coordinating test activities, developing team capability and delivering accurate, repeatable results.

You will work closely with design, engineering, manufacturing and quality teams on customer programmes, supporting verification and qualification across demanding RF environments and

Qualifications

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent practical experience in RF, electronic, antenna or related engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on experience of antenna and RF measurement in controlled test environments.
• Experience using RF test equipment including VNAs and chamber positioners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day activities of the Test, Measurement and Validation team.
• Plan, conduct and coordinate antenna, RF and environmental testing, ensuring equipment, facilities and resources are effectively utilised.
• Oversee testing within anechoic chambers, including near-field and far-field measurements using specialist RF instrumentation.
• Support measurements including S-parameters, antenna gain, efficiency, radiation patterns, beamwidth and polarisation.
• Ensure test equipment, chambers and instrumentation are maintained, calibrated and operating effectively.
• Develop and review test procedures, validation plans, technical reports and measurement documentation. Investigate measurement discrepancies to resolve technical issues.
• Support product verification, qualification and environmental testing against customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve measurement accuracy, repeatability, automation and testing efficiency.
• Coordinate external test facilities and support technical discussions with customers and suppliers.

Skills

Antenna/RF measurement

Test planning & coordination

Technical leadership

Calibration & measurement uncertainty

Data analysis / scripting

Security clearance awareness

Environmental testing

Education

RF/antenna engineering degree or equivalent practical experience

Tools

VNAs

Chamber positioners

RF test equipment

Job description

Lead the Team Behind Cutting-Edge RF & Antenna Validation

Steatite Antennas is looking for a technically strong and people-focused Team Leader - Test, Measurement & Verification to lead our antenna and RF measurement function.

This predominantly site-based role offers a hands-on technical leadership opportunity, combining specialist RF measurement expertise with responsibility for coordinating test activities, developing team capability and ensuring accurate, reliable and repeatable results.

Working closely with our antenna design, engineering, manufacturing and quality teams, you will play a key role in supporting project and product development, verification and qualification across technically demanding customer programmes.

What You will Be Doing

• Lead the day-to-day activities of the Test, Measurement and Validation team.
• Plan, conduct and coordinate antenna, RF and environmental testing, ensuring equipment, facilities and resources are effectively utilised.
• Oversee testing within anechoic chambers, including near-field and far-field measurements using specialist RF instrumentation.
• Support measurements including S-parameters, antenna gain, efficiency, radiation patterns, beamwidth and polarisation.
• Ensure test equipment, chambers and instrumentation are maintained, calibrated and operating effectively.
• Develop and review test procedures, validation plans, technical reports and measurement documentation. Investigate measurement discrepancies to resolve technical issues.
• Support product verification, qualification and environmental testing against customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve measurement accuracy, repeatability, automation and testing efficiency.
• Coordinate external test facilities and support technical discussions with customers and suppliers.

What We are Looking For

Essential experience & skills:

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent practical experience in RF, electronic, antenna or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven hands‑on experience of antenna and RF measurement within an anechoic chamber, laboratory or comparable controlled test environment.
• Experience using RF test equipment, including vector network analysers (VNAs), chamber positioners and associated measurement systems.
• Good understanding of antenna measurements, including S-parameters, gain, radiation patterns and polarisation.
• Experience planning and coordinating technical test activities, including equipment and resource scheduling.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership, supervision, mentoring or task direction within an engineering or test environment.
• Understanding of calibration, measurement uncertainty, repeatability and traceability.
• Ability to interpret test results, troubleshoot technical issues and produce clear technical documentation.
• Near‑field and far‑field antenna measurement systems and chamber characterisation.
• Environmental testing, product verification and qualification.
• RF test automation, scripting or data analysis.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, communications or other high‑reliability engineering environments.
• Supporting test facility upgrades, equipment improvements or external test programmes.

Why this role?

Join a growing technology business with a strong engineering culture and ambitious plans for the future and lead a critical engineering capability with direct influence on product performance and customer success. Work on technically challenging RF and antenna programmes, shaping future investment in test facilities, equipment and automation.

Location

This role is predominantly site‑based to support our laboratory and chamber facilities, there is flexibility for occasional home working with occasional UK and international travel.

Security

Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidate will be required to complete BPSS screening before commencing employment and must be eligible and willing to undertake Security Clearance (SC) within the probation period.