Job Title: RF Engineer – Defence Systems
Location: Hampshire
Department: Engineering / R&D
Reports To: Lead RF Systems Engineer / Engineering Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled RF Engineer to join our defence engineering team developing advanced communication, radar, and electronic warfare (EW) systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, simulation, testing, and integration of RF and microwave subsystems that meet stringent military and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop, and optimize RF and microwave circuits (amplifiers, filters, mixers, oscillators, antennas, and matching networks) for defence applications.
* Perform RF simulations and analyses using industry-standard tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR, or similar).
* Support system-level architecture and link budget analyses for communication and radar systems.
* Conduct RF testing, validation, and troubleshooting of prototype and production units in laboratory and field environments.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (digital, mechanical, and systems engineers) to ensure seamless hardware integration.
* Ensure designs comply with MIL-STD and EMC/EMI requirements.
* Contribute to technical documentation, including design reports, test procedures, and validation results.
* Support prototype builds, production handover, and supplier technical liaison.
* Participate in design reviews, configuration management, and quality assurance processes.
Required Qualifications
* 3–8 years of experience in RF design, preferably in defence, aerospace, or communications domains.
* Strong understanding of RF circuit theory, microwave propagation, and antenna design principles.
* Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.).
* Experience with PCB design and layout for RF systems (using Altium, Cadence, or equivalent).
* Familiarity with military environmental standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) and reliability principles.
* Eligibility for, or possession of, security clearance.