RF Design Engineer

Job Description:

Radio Frequency Design Engineer

Virtua, a leading provider of communication and infrastructure services, is seeking an experienced RF Design Engineer to join our In-Building Survey & Design team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience in in-building radio survey, design, installation and commissioning across passive and active DAS, radiating cable, analogue/digital RFoF systems, and multi-technology base station designs. Strong skills in link budget analysis, industry-standard design tools, prediction software and CW survey techniques are essential. Experience supporting technical bids is desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver single and multi-operator JOT design submissions, owning technical specifications and ensuring on-time delivery.
• Troubleshoot in-building systems (RFoF, Small Cell, C-RAN) remotely and on-site.
• Produce and review detailed design proposals, commissioning and handover reports.
• Support QA with design approvals and maintain HSQE standards.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills & Experience

• Strong RF in-building design capability across active RFoF DAS, Small Cell, Off-Air Repeaters and passive DAS.
• Proficient in iBwave Enterprise (Rel14), including full RFoF and structured cabling designs.
• Good understanding of 2G–5G architectures, GSM/UMTS/LTE-A/Wi-Fi technologies.
• Experience with RF lab equipment (network/spectrum analysers, signal generators).
• Strong commissioning skills for RFoF DAS (noise, capacity and link-budget analysis).
• Knowledge of CW survey methods for validation and commissioning.
• Excellent client-facing and communication skills, including with UK mobile operators.
• Engineering/technical qualification preferred but not essential.

General Requirements

• Able to obtain UK security clearance/airside pass (5-year history + background checks).
• Willing to work outside standard hours and travel/ stay away when required.
• Adaptable, able to learn new technologies and work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong time management, presentation skills, and adherence to HSQE.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/Visio).
• Full UK driving licence (preferably clean).
• Design and develop RF systems, including antennas, filters, amplifiers, and transceivers, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis on system failures or performance issues to identify underlying problems and implement effective solutions.
• Create detailed schematics and layout designs using CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, or SolidWorks.
• Develop simulation models with MATLAB/Simulink to predict system behaviour under various conditions.
• Utilise programming languages including Python, C++, Perl, and firmware development to enhance system functionality and integration.
• Analyse signal processing requirements and implement algorithms for noise reduction, filtering, or modulation schemes.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to integrate RF components within mechanical enclosures using surface mount technology (SMT) techniques.
• Assist in debugging hardware and firmware issues through systematic troubleshooting methods.
• Support the realisation of prototypes through soldering and assembly of electronic components on PCBs.
• Work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to automate testing procedures or system operations.
• Ensure all designs meet electrical engineering standards while considering mechanical constraints for system robustness.

Experience

• Proven experience in RF system design within a telecommunications or related environment.
• Strong background in electrical engineering principles with practical knowledge of surface mount technology (SMT), soldering, and debugging techniques.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, or SolidWorks for schematic creation and mechanical design integration.
• Extensive experience with MATLAB/Simulink for system modelling and analysis; familiarity with Python for scripting tasks is desirable.
• Knowledge of signal processing techniques and firmware development using C++, ARM architecture, or Perl scripts.
• Experience working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for automation purposes.
• Mechanical knowledge relevant to integrating RF components within physical enclosures; familiarity with surface mount technology is advantageous.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis effectively on complex electronic systems involving both hardware and software components. This position offers a dynamic environment where innovation meets technical excellence—ideal for engineers passionate about advancing wireless communication technologies through meticulous design and analysis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Banbury OX16 3TL