Contract Opportunity: Principal RF Engineer - Great Baddow or Cowes
A leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to join on a contract basis at our clients Great Baddow site or Cowes. This is a senior technical role working on complex RF hardware design, supporting both new product development and enhancements to existing systems.
If you're looking for a role where your expertise genuinely shapes high‑integrity, mission‑critical technology, this is an excellent opportunity.
The Role
As a Principal RF Engineer, you will take ownership of RF design activities from concept through to delivery. You'll act as a technical authority within the team, providing leadership, mentoring, and expert guidance on RF matters. You may also serve as RF lead at subsystem or LRU level.
Based at Great Baddow or Cowes
Key Responsibilities
Lead RF system and circuit design activities
Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations (e.g., ADS, HFSS or similar)
Develop component‑level designs suitable for volume production
Specify bespoke and COTS RF hardware
Conduct design verification through simulation, analysis, and testing
Support EMC test houses and customer installations
Integrate RF designs into complex equipment environments
Produce high‑quality design documentation and review work from others
Collaborate with systems, mechanical/thermal, safety, ILS, PDM, and manufacturing teams
Ensure adherence to engineering lifecycle processes and participate in design reviews
Apply depth and breadth of design expertise and knowledge to generate RF design solutions for both new products and technology insertions into legacy products.
What You'll Bring
Essential Experience
Strong background in RF technologies, architectures, and system/circuit design
Hands‑on experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, or similar)
Proven ability to deliver component‑level designs for production
Experience in integration, design proving, and defect resolution
Ability to gather evidence for acceptance, safety, and compliance
Desirable
Experience in defence or high‑integrity environments
Background in complex radar or sensing systems
Qualifications
Degree in Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline
Substantial experience of RF technologies, system and circuit architectures… Simulating RF systems… Generating component level designs for volume production.
Why This Contract?
Work on cutting‑edge RF technology within a high‑integrity engineering environment
Join a collaborative, technically strong team where your expertise is valued
Influence major programmes and contribute to nationally significant technology
Opportunity to lead, innovate, and mentor within your discipline
Please note: Due to the nature of the work, security vetting will be required, including UK residency criteria