Senior Antenna Engineer

Leonardo S.p.A.; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking an antenna design engineer to contribute to the development of existing products and cutting-edge research. You will use EM simulations to optimise sensor installations on platforms and work within a multidisciplinary team across UK sites.

The role requires a STEM degree, experience in RF/antenna design and strong numerical problem-solving abilities, plus clear communication of complex topics. Hybrid working and BPSS/NSV security clearance apply.

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM subject and knowledge of Electromagnetics (LO/Stealth/RF/Antenna design)
• Experience or education in Electromagnetics: LO, Stealth, RF, Antenna design/modelling/measurement or CEM
• Excellent numerical problem solving and ability to convey complex topics clearly
• Nice to have: CST Microwave Studio or similar EM modelling tools; MATLAB or similar simulators

Responsibilities

• Develop existing products and research cutting-edge solutions for new platforms
• Use EM simulation codes to analyse and optimise sensor installation impacts on vehicles
• Design and develop antenna/radome and related interfaces (electrical, mechanical, functional)
• Provide technical assessment and modelling to ensure system performance
• Present results through reports and oral presentations
• Mentor others and promote best-practice sharing

Skills

Antenna design

Electromagnetics

RF design

CEM

Numerical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

STEM degree

Master’s or PhD in related field

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

FEKO

Job description

Job Description:

Leonardo Electronics are right at the heart of the UK’s advanced engineering sector – making a vital contribution to the success of the economy.

We’re the largest supplier of complex electronics to the Ministry of Defence and our solutions support the world leading capabilities of UK Armed Forces, as well as a growing number of international customers.

Our workforce of more than 4,000 specialists is spread across five main UK sites ( Bristol, Southampton, Basildon, Luton, Newcastle and Edinburgh )

You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from a wide range of technical experts in the wider areas of antenna design, mechanical engineering and material science, not only within Leonardo, but also from the wider partnership. You will be involved in various stages of development from the concept stage through hardware design, development, manufacture, and design proving and measurement.

You will be able to develop an exciting and fulfilling career within our Antenna team and gain exposure to current and novel technologies within this field.

Career development opportunities may include development into a technical specialist role, or the chance to lead a team (or both). A mixture of formal and on-the-job training will be available to introduce new concepts and build on existing skills and experience.

What you will do:

• - As part of a growing UK wide team, and depending on your skills and expertise, work may include:
• The development of existing product and advanced research into cutting-edge solutions for both new and existing platforms.
• Using various EM simulation codes (e.g. CST Microwave Studio and FEKO) to analyse and optimise the design and installation impacts of sensors on a ‘stealthy’ vehicle.
• Undertake the detailed design and development of antenna/radome (sensor/window) and any frequency selective component, together with their associated electrical, mechanical and functional interfaces.
• Technical assessment and modelling of system or subsystem design to ensure compatibility with overall system performance.
• Present results and designs through both written reports and oral presentations.
• You will provide technical assistance and guidance to others, whilst promoting a culture of sharing best practice and process improvement.

What you really must have:

• Degree in a STEM subject (Physics, Mathematics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, System Engineering, or other science-based subject).
• Experience / Education in at least one of the following areas of Electromagnetics: Low Observables (LO), Stealth Technology, Radio frequency (RF) design, Antenna design/modelling/measurement or Computational Electromagnetic Modelling (CEM)
• Excellent numerical problem solving skills and an aptitude for lateral thinking.
• The ability to assimilate complicated topics quickly and possess strong communication skills to convey complex subjects to our teams.

It would be nice of you had:

• A Master’s Degree or PhD in a subject such as Physics, Antenna Design, Propagation, Electromagnetics, Microwave engineering, Data Analysis of measured data, etc.
• Working knowledge of CST Microwave Studio or similar EM modelling tools.
• Scientific programming experience. MATLAB is a preferred tool but knowledge of other languages is acceptable if it suggests an easy adaptation to MATLAB.
• A theoretical or practical knowledge of antenna measurements.
• Measurement experience using standard equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyser, etc.).

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge:Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future:Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters:Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend:Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working:Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo offers an additional allowances for some roles – for more information please contact [e-mail]

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid