Senior RF Engineer

Rowden; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Bristol is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to drive innovation in RF systems through research, development, and testing. The successful candidate will utilize SDR platforms, programming skills in Python and C++, and will engage in cutting-edge projects that address complex challenges in communications. This role offers a permanent position with competitive compensation and the opportunity for flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive company culture

Opportunities for continuous learning

Qualifications

• Strong experience with SDR platforms for VHF, UHF, and low-SHF signal processing.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for high-performance DSP applications.
• Practical experience with RF diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Exploring novel RF communication and sensing concepts.
• Implementing advanced digital signal processing techniques.
• Conducting rigorous testing of RF devices.

Skills

Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

Programming (Python and C++)

RF Testing and Measurement

Signal Processing

EMI/EMC Knowledge

Communication Protocols

R&D Experience

Tools

Spectrum Analyzers

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Signal Generators

Job description

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Senior RF Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bristol, UK

Reporting To: Dec Rogers

Compensation: GBP 40,000 - GBP 65,000 / year

Description

We're building the next UK-headquartered engineering powerhouse.At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high-pressure settings.

Headquartered in Bristol (UK), we combine modern engineering methods with cutting-edge commercial technology to create adaptable, mission-critical systems. We focus on solving the tough challenges that others overlook, ensuring our customers can operate effectively in an ever-changing world.

We're looking for a driven and inquisitive Senior RF Engineer to join our growing team. This new role has been created as we expand our RF capability across applied research, tech services and product development. You'll work at the cutting edge of early research concepts through to product development, with a focus on digital signal processing, software defined radio (SDR) and real-world RF testing. From exploratory research to supporting delivery teams, you'll be a key contributor to shaping RF systems that deliver real-world mission advantage.

You'll join a diverse team of multi-disciplinary engineers at Rowden, with specialisms in RF, electronics, software, systems, DevOps and networks. You'll contribute to a hands-on engineering culture, delivering mission critical capabilities at pace, developing yourself and our wider engineering team as you go.

Key areas of responsibility

As a Senior RF Engineer at Rowden, you'll be responsible for:

• Technical Research: Exploring novel RF communication and sensing concepts, investigating emerging technologies, and assessing their applicability stakeholder scenarios.
• Signal Processing: Implementing advanced digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, including modulation, demodulation, filtering, and error correction for detection and analysis of RF communication systems.
• Testing and Evaluation: Conducting rigorous testing of RF devices, including power measurements, spectral analysis, and sensitivity assessments to characterise EMI, EMC, and RF signature performance.
• RF System concept development: Developing RF systems concepts from research into production focused systems.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

You'll bring deep technical knowledge and a hands-on mindset to tackle complex RF challenges:

• Software-Defined Radio (SDR): Strong experience with SDR platforms (e.g., GNU Radio, Ettus USRP, BladeRF) for VHF, UHF, and low-SHF signal processing and analysis.
• Programming (Python and C++): Proficiency in Python for rapid prototyping and data analysis, and C++ for high-performance DSP applications in embedded systems.
• RF Testing and Measurement: Practical experience with spectrum analysers, vector network analysers (VNAs), signal generators, and other RF diagnostic tools for precise characterisation of RF systems.
• Signal Processing: Strong knowledge of DSP techniques, including modulation, demodulation, filtering, and signal detection, tailored to communication systems.
• EMI/EMC Knowledge: Solid understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) principles, with experience mitigating undesired emissions in complex environments.
• Communication Protocols: Familiarity with common modulation schemes (QPSK, QAM, FSK) and protocols (DMR, BT, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.) relevant to VHF, UHF, and low-SHF operations.
• R&D Experience: Proven experience in applied research and development of RF systems, from initial concept through to proof of concept.

• Understanding and experience in analysing Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), wireless communication protocols or RF signals.
• Prior experience working with/for military/security research and development organisations.
• Understanding and experience in electronic warfare.

About you:
You thrive in technically challenging environments and are motivated by delivering impact for end users:

• Outcome-Focused: You are driven by achieving tangible results, even when operating in uncertain or rapidly changing situations. You can balance rigorous analysis with pragmatic decision-making.
• Exploratory Mindset: You are curious and open to experimenting with new techniques or technologies. You thrive in R&D settings where fast feedback loops and iterative development are key.
• Collaborative and Proactive: You work well with cross-disciplinary teams, proactively seek input, and contribute to shared objectives. You understand that the best solutions often come from a blend of perspectives.
• Clear Communicator: You can convey complex technical concepts clearly, whether presenting findings to stakeholders, writing technical reports, or collaborating with team members.
• Analytical Thinker: You can diagnose complex problems methodically, leveraging data and testing to uncover root causes and validate solutions.
• Eagerness to Learn: You enjoy learning new things, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and are motivated to continuously improve.

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!