Senior Radio Frequency Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative technology consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to develop cutting-edge electronic and RF solutions. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects in defence and security, collaborating with a talented multidisciplinary team. You'll tackle complex RF challenges, from concept through to deployment, in a hands-on lab environment. The company fosters a culture of technical freedom and idea-sharing, providing modern facilities and a collaborative structure. If you're passionate about RF engineering and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare

Enhanced family leave policy

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Electric vehicle leasing

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Access to local sports/social clubs

Qualifications

• Experience in RF/electronics design and development.
• Skilled in RF PCB design, characterisation, and lab testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype advanced RF and mixed-signal systems.
• Carry out design, simulation, and verification using relevant tools.
• Take ownership of hardware design and system-level integration.

Skills

RF design

Electronics design

PCB layout

Simulation tools (ADS, CST)

Lab testing

MATLAB

Python

Education

Degree in Electronics

Degree in Physics

Tools

ADS

CST

Microwave Office

Job description

Job Description

A UK-based technology consultancy specialising in defence and security is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to support the development of cutting-edge electronic and RF solutions. The role offers a rare opportunity to work on impactful, high-assurance projects that directly contribute to UK defence and homeland security.

As a Principal RF Engineer, you'll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to develop prototypes and solve complex RF and electronics challenges. Projects are often fast-paced, varied, and technically demanding – from concept and simulation through to build, test, and deployment.

This position would suit someone who thrives on solving open-ended technical problems, has a deep understanding of RF fundamentals, and enjoys working in a hands-on, lab-based environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and prototype advanced RF and mixed-signal systems for defence-focused applications.
• Carry out design, simulation, and verification using tools such as ADS, CST, or Microwave Office.
• Take ownership of hardware design – from high-speed digital and RF PCB layout through to validation and system-level integration.
• Participate in system architecture development, often working across antennas, DSP, and embedded software teams.
• Explore novel solutions and technologies, keeping at the forefront of RF and electronic engineering.

Your Profile:

• A degree in Electronics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in RF/electronics design and development.
• Skilled in RF PCB design, characterisation, and lab testing.
• Experience using relevant simulation and modelling tools (e.g., CST, ADS, Microwave Office).
• A track record of taking designs from concept to real-world implementation.

Additional experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Antenna design and test
• RADAR or secure communications systems
• DSP and embedded processing
• Scripting for modelling or test automation (MATLAB, Python)
• High-speed digital board design

This Principal RF Engineer role is open to candidates from a wide range of technical backgrounds. Prior defence experience is a bonus but not essential.

Why Join This Team? You’d be joining a growing team of around 40 engineers and scientists in Cambridge, with access to modern labs, prototyping facilities, and a strong culture of technical freedom and idea-sharing. The structure is flat, collaborative, and project-led – enabling you to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Employees benefit from:

• 10% employer pension contribution (plus 3% employee)
• Private healthcare for you and your family
• Enhanced family leave policy
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Electric vehicle leasing, cycle to work scheme
• On-site gym and access to local sports/social clubs

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the work, you must be eligible for UK security clearance. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship under the UKVI scheme.

If you'd like to hear more about this position as a Principal RF Engineer, please contact Zac Taylor at IC Resources.