Systems Engineer - RF & Defence

Matchtech; Romsey; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Career development

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join a leader in the Defence & Security sector. This permanent role focuses on designing and delivering EW, RF communications, sensor systems and PNT solutions for UK Defence and National Security customers.

You will lead technical activities across the full development lifecycle, develop architectures, and drive engagements with stakeholders to ensure delivery of cost-effective, high-quality capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in defence/aerospace or electronic systems preferred.
• Strong systems engineering across the full product lifecycle required.
• Experience leading technical teams and making system-level design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Act as System Design Authority for complex defence technology programmes.
• Lead systems engineering across the full development lifecycle from concept to acceptance.
• Develop system architectures for EW, RF, sensor and PNT solutions.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams across HW/SW/FW/RF/DSP/FPGA.
• Manage technical risk, trade-offs, dependencies and engineering decisions.
• Support customer engagement, technical reviews, and solution development workshops.
• Contribute to business development, bids and capability roadmaps.
• Ensure delivery against cost, schedule, performance and quality goals.
• Support trials, demonstrations and rapid prototyping as required.

Skills

Electronic Warfare

RF Communications

Systems Engineering

Defence Industry

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Lifecycle Management

Education

Engineering/CS/Physics degree

Job description

Our client, a leader in the Defence & Security sector, is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer to join their dynamic team. This permanent position involves designing and delivering advanced Electronic Warfare (EW), Radio Frequency (RF) communications, sensor systems, and Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT) solutions for UK Defence and National Security customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as the System Design Authority for complex defence technology programmes
• Leading systems engineering activities across the full development lifecycle, from concept and requirements definition through design, integration, verification, validation, and acceptance
• Developing system architectures for EW, communications, sensor, and PNT solutions
• Providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, firmware, RF, DSP, and FPGA disciplines
• Managing technical risk, trade-offs, dependencies, and engineering decisions
• Supporting customer engagement activities, technical reviews, and solution development workshops
• Contributing to business development activities, competitive bids, and future capability roadmaps
• Ensuring delivery against cost, schedule, performance, and quality objectives
• Supporting trials, demonstrations, and rapid prototyping activities where required

Job Requirements

You'll be a technically credible systems engineer with experience designing and delivering complex defence, aerospace, communications, or electronic systems.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in Electronic Warfare, Radio Frequency, Combat Systems, Systems Engineering, and Defence
• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline
• Strong systems engineering experience across the full product lifecycle
• Experience leading technical teams and making system-level design decisions
• Knowledge of RF communications, sensor systems, or electronic systems
• Ability to engage effectively with customers and senior stakeholders
• Experience balancing technical, commercial, and operational requirements

Desirable Experience

• Electronic Support (ES), Electronic Attack (EA), ESM, or ECM technologies
• Software Defined Radios (SDR)
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• FPGA-based systems
• RF cyber capabilities
• Military communication systems and radio bearers
• Open standards such as SOSA, OpenVPX, MORA, STICS, or OpenCPI
• Agile, SAFe, Waterfall, or Spiral development methodologies
• Experience on Defence, Intelligence, or National Security programmes

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on mission-critical technologies supporting UK Defence and National Security
• Leadership in developing EW, communications, and sensor capabilities
• Influence on technical strategy and future capability development
• Collaboration with highly skilled engineers, scientists, and consultants
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership