Systems Engineer

Belcan; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is seeking an RF / Systems Engineer to join its Terminals and TMA team in Portsmouth. The successful candidate will work on satellite communication terminal products, ensuring secure communications for naval operations. Essential qualifications include strong RF knowledge and a degree in engineering. This role also requires UK National Security Clearance, offering impactful work in a vital area of defense.

Qualifications

• Strong RF knowledge with expertise in RF, Microwave, and mm Wave circuit design.
• Proficiency in EM field theory and RF measurement techniques required.
• Collaborative mindset to work across engineering and multifunctional teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Translate RF and Microwave requirements into detailed specifications.
• Design input/output interfaces and performance criteria.
• Validate and verify RF designs for optimal performance.

Skills

RF knowledge

Microwave circuit design

EM field theory

RF measurement techniques

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Degree in an engineering discipline recognised by the IET

Job description

RF / Systems Engineer

Location: Portsmouth, UK

Division: Terminals & TMA Team

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen for an RF / Systems Engineer to join the Terminals and TMA team in Portsmouth. This team is responsible for satellite communication terminal products, including antenna equipment and management software. Their work spans land, sea, and air domains, with the Portsmouth site primarily focused on the development and sustainment of naval antennas for the maritime sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate RF and Microwave requirements into detailed specifications, defining frequencies of operation.
• Design input/output interfaces and performance criteria, supported by clear test strategies.
• Produce system diagrams and RF budgets across complete Rx/Tx chains.
• Validate and verify RF designs to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate across disciplines throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept to in‑service support.
• Maintain awareness of compliance risks and act with integrity to support sustainable growth.

Note: This role requires UK National Security Clearance.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong RF knowledge with proven expertise in RF, Microwave, and mm Wave circuit design/analysis.
• Proficiency in EM field theory, RF circuit design, 2.5D/3D design tools, and RF measurement techniques.
• Understanding of material behaviour at RF frequencies and environmental impacts on RF units.
• Ability to deliver detailed system data aligned with architectural requirements.
• Experience verifying compliance of design solutions against validated requirements.
• Collaborative mindset, working seamlessly across engineering, manufacturing, and multifunctional teams.
• Degree‑level education (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline recognised by the IET.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with military satellite communication standards (e.g., MIL‑STD‑188‑164C).
• Knowledge of maritime satellite communication systems.
• Chartered Engineer status and membership of the IET (or equivalent).

Why This Role Matters

This position offers the chance to work on technology that ensures secure, reliable communications for naval operations in the most challenging environments. It's an opportunity to contribute to projects with real‑world impact, supporting global security and connectivity.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan