Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer

Honeywell Aerospace; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and delivery of advanced RF hardware for space communications. You will work on SDR-based and high-frequency systems, performing simulations, testing, and documentation to meet mission requirements.

Role requires a strong track record in RF hardware development, hands-on measurements, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Proven track record in designing and testing active RF circuits and systems.
• Minimum 5 years’ industrial experience in RF/microwave hardware development.
• Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including link budgets, linearity, and noise figures.
• Hands-on experience with RF measurements and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF hardware for communication systems from UHF to Ka Band for telemetry, telecommand and datalink applications.
• Design active RF circuits including LNAs, SSPAs, driver amplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, frequency synthesizers and PLLs.
• Perform RF architecture trades, link budgets, gain/noise analysis, linearity, and dynamic range calculations.
• Develop RF schematics, perform component selection, and support PCB layout.
• Conduct RF simulations using tools such as AWR, ADS, CST, HFSS, and MATLAB.
• Perform RF testing and troubleshooting using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and noise figure analysers.
• Support environmental and qualification testing (EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, etc.).
• Investigate and resolve RF performance issues across development, integration, and production.
• Produce technical documentation (design reports, test procedures, verification reports, design reviews).
• Support product owner and project engineer in product development and meeting technical milestones.
• Support customer technical interactions and design reviews.

Skills

RF/microwave design

Active RF circuits

RF measurements

RF simulations

Space communications

Hardware debugging

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electronic Engineering / Telecommunications

Tools

AWR

ADS

CST

HFSS

MATLAB

VNAs

Spectrum Analyzers

Job description

Job Description

As a Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer here at Honeywell, you will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of advanced engineering solutions that drive innovation, performance, and reliability across critical systems. You will work within cross‑functional teams on complex projects that support next‑generation products and technologies.

In this role, you will contribute to the development of sophisticated Software Defined Radio solutions for space communications systems, ensuring robust design, integration, and performance of components and subsystems. Your strong technical expertise and hands‑on approach will be essential in delivering high‑quality, reliable systems that meet demanding mission and customer requirements. You will report directly to our Engineering Manager, and you’ll work out of our Edinburgh, UK location on an on‑site work schedule.

Join a company that’s reintroducing itself to the aviation community we’ve helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we’re launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission‑focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world’s aircraft, your work here has reach that’s rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we’re shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF hardware for communication systems from UHF to Ka Band for telemetry, telecommand and datalink applications
• Design active RF circuits including LNAs, SSPAs, driver amplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, frequency synthesizers and PLLs
• Perform RF architecture trades, link budgets, gain/noise analysis, linearity, and dynamic range calculations
• Develop RF schematics, perform component selection, and support PCB layout
• Conduct RF simulations using tools such as AWR, ADS, CST, HFSS, and MATLAB
• Perform RF testing and troubleshooting using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and noise figure analysers
• Support environmental and qualification testing (EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, etc.)
• Investigate and resolve RF performance issues across development, integration, and production
• Produce technical documentation (design reports, test procedures, verification reports, design reviews)
• Support product owner and project engineer in product development and meeting technical milestones
• Support customer technical interactions and design reviews

Key Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
• Proven track record in designing and testing active RF circuits and systems
• Minimum 5 years’ industrial experience in RF/microwave hardware development
• Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including:
  • RF Line‑up analysis
  • Link budget calculation
  • Linearity, Intermodulation, EVM, transmitter performance
  • Noise figure, SNR, BER, Receiver sensitivity
  • Phase noise and frequency synthesis
• Hands‑on experience with RF measurements and debugging
• Ability to work independently on complex technical tasks with limited supervision
• Proven experience in developing and delivering engineering solutions from requirements through to implementation
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning
• Attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality delivery

We Value

• Experience in aerospace, defence, or space communication systems, including exposure to mission‑critical RF applications
• Experience in telemetry, telecommand, or satellite communication systems, with familiarity in SDR‑based and digital communication architectures
• Understanding of RF system lifecycle and qualification processes, including EMI/EMC, environmental testing, and product certification
• Familiarity with advanced radio architectures, including FPGA‑based systems and high‑speed digital interfaces
• Experience supporting formal engineering design reviews (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and structured development processes
• Strong technical ownership and accountability, with the ability to take designs from development through integration and delivery
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem‑solving capability in complex RF/system environments
• Commitment to engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and high‑quality delivery in a fast‑paced environment

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on‑time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we’re also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology that help aircraft perform safely and with precision. Our systems are on board 90% of the world’s aircraft — serving commercial aviation, defense and space operators from integrated flight deck platforms with 30-plus years in service to radiation‑hardened systems trusted for human spaceflight.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity.