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.
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