Bristol

We have a fantastic opportunity for an RF Design engineer to work on the research, design and testing of cutting-edge radio-frequency technology for integration into our complex weapons systems.

Job Title: RF Designer

Salary: Circa £65,000 depending on experience

Location: Stevenage (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working – such as being onsite when necessary to work with people and collaborate, then working from home and around family commitments to be your most efficient. Typically for this role you will work 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification. In addition, this role could be full time or part time in order to meet your needs. We are flexible and accommodating.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.

The opportunity:

We’re looking for an RF Design engineer with proven practical design experience for cutting edge defence products. You’ll be working on the research, design and testing of cutting-edge radio-frequency technology for integration into our complex weapons systems, with a focus on utilising your hands on experience to carry out modifications or rapid prototypes where required.

We need a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for electronic engineering. The role would ideally suit someone who is comfortable carrying out hands on testing and modifications to boards while having a strong background in RF design.

What we’re looking for from you:

• Proven practical RF (component level) design and testing of RF circuits across a wide frequency range ( eg, 30MHz to 30GHz, including LNA Amplifier, High Power Amplifier, filter, local oscillator, synthesiser, modulator design etc)
• RF design experience for harsh environments (EMC, vibration, thermal)
• Ability to perform design proving tests and trials in the onsite laboratory
• Excellent practical skills including soldering, fault finding and the use of RF test equipment including Spectrum Analysers, Power Meters & VNAs
• Good knowledge of digital, analogue and power supply design
• Experience using RF design tools ( eg Microwave Office), including layout.
• Fully conversant with manufacturing techniques and capabilities, including design for manufacture and test.
• Strong communicator with excellent presentation and report writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly any problems, solutions or results to the team and customer.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

As an RF Design Engineer at Microwave Amps, you’ll take the lead on designing and developing high-performance RF and microwave products. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical expertise, a hands-on approach, and a passion for innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead RF design projects from initial concept through to final production
• Design complex RF and microwave circuits – with a particular focus on amplifiers (essential)
• Develop power supply solutions to drive the RF chain from a single voltage input (essential)
• Integrate RF components into larger systems, ensuring functionality and performance
• Use advanced simulation tools (e.g. CST, MWO) to model, test and optimise circuit designs
• Oversee prototyping and testing using RF and microwave test equipment
• Produce detailed technical documentation – including specifications, test plans, and reports
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production and engineering, to meet deadlines
• Research and apply new technologies and techniques to keep designs at the cutting edge
• (Nice to have) Engage with customers to understand requirements and provide technical support

What You’ll Bring

Education:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Experience:

• Proven experience in RF design and project leadership
• Strong background in RF PCB layout and circuit design
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory standards and certification processes
• Excellent problem-solving skills and technical curiosity
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

About Microwave Amps

Microwave Amps is a Bristol-based engineering company specialising in cutting-edge microwave and RF technology. We design and manufacture high-performance products used across industries like telecoms, defence, and aerospace.

What Makes Us Different

• We’re a small, close-knit team – your work will have real impact
• You’ll get ownership of projects and the space to innovate
• Collaboration and creativity are at the heart of how we work
• We’re serious about staying at the forefront of RF technology
• We support your development – whether that’s training, tools, or attending events

Employee Perks and Benefits

• Electric Car Scheme – save money while making a greener commute
• Bike to Work Scheme – cycle to work and save through salary sacrifice
• Competitive Pension – we invest in your future
• Holiday Package – generous allowance, plus option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Flexible Working – where the role allows, we can offer flexible hours and home working options
• Free Parking & Great Transport Links – easy to get to, however you travel

Apply now and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of microwave and RF technology. We’re excited to hear from you! 🚀

Job Description

Your impact

Are you ready to make an impact and gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we’re looking for industrial placement students who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Our placements are designed to help you apply your studies in a practical setting, develop your technical skills, and gain valuable insight into how our business operates.

Our Programme offers you the chance to spend a year with us, working on meaningful projects alongside subject matter experts, within multidisciplinary teams, and across the product lifecycle.

You’ll receive a salary of £25,000, with coaching and support from a dedicated team to help you achieve both your placement objectives and personal development goals.

Successful completion of an Industrial Placement with Leonardo may also lead to an offer on our Graduate Development Programme.

During your placement, we encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

As an Industrial Placement Microwave Engineer Student you will

Work alongside expert engineers to design, test, and integrate microwave and RF components for electronic warfare systems. This is a unique opportunity to build practical skills and contribute to meaningful projects.

Key responsibilities include

• Designing and developing microwave and RF components operating up to 40GHz
• Using simulation tools to create components such as TRMs, up/down converters, and integrated RF/digital boards
• Testing and validating designs in laboratory environments
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate components into larger systems
• Documenting design and testing processes and contributing to technical reviews

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for students who are curious, proactive, and eager to learn. You’ll need

To be currently studying for a degree in a relevant subject such as

• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics
• Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
• Communications, Space, or Robotics Engineering

Computer Communication and Networks, Cyber Security

A basic understanding of microwave/RF principles (prior experience not required)

A collaborative mindset and willingness to grow in a dynamic engineering environment

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this will include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https //careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, our teams are key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your future Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Tailored perks Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit https //careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Primary Location

GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Fixed term

Hybrid Working

Hybrid

At Roke

Roke imagines a more secure world. A world where technology protects, rather than exposes. A world where expert engineers, consultants and business support staff collaborate to protect what matters most to our clients.

We are a friendly and flexible team with a culture of ‘time, trust and freedom’. We pride ourselves on listening to each other’s aspirations and accommodating wherever possible.

The Opportunity

Roke is a leader in cutting-edge technology solutions for the defence industry with clients spanning National Security, Defence, and wider. We work alongside our customers to solve their complex and unique challenges.

Your projects will be diverse – working with varying clients, across a number of sectors, using a range of skills. Consequently, we are looking for individuals able to work flexibly across projects in different domains. You might apply your skills to rapidly prototype new approaches and solutions. Equally, you may apply them to complement or advance existing solutions.

You will be part of a stimulating, collaborative and driven team that offers you autonomy, challenge, and strong sense of purpose. Depending on the project, there will be opportunities to demonstrate technology to customers and support customer test and acceptance. We seek a passionate RF Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. You’ll contribute to cutting-edge electronics for defence and electromagnetic warfare systems. This role combines hands-on design with project leadership.

Why We Want You

As an RF Design Engineer at Roke, you will play a pivotal role in designing and developing cutting-edge RF electronics for defence and electromagnetic warfare applications. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that make a significant impact on defence and national security.

You will:

• Design, simulate, and implement RF and analogue electronic circuits and systems for defence-related projects (in domains such as electromagnetic warfare, positioning and timing, and survivability) with cutting-edge solutions
• Conduct hands-on integration, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of RF and analogue electronic circuits, systems and components, to optimize their performance (e.g., impedance, VSWR, wideband operation)
• Participate in design reviews and provide valuable technical input to enhance project outcomes.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation and reports with highest quality (e.g., design specifications, test plans, and results for compliance evidence) with a focus on RF and analogue electronic circuits and systems.
• Provide technical support to the Technical Lead (e.g., risk management, input to customer meetings).
• Provide mentoring and feedback to junior engineers, in support of the team’s professional growth.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, within and outside the project team.
• Comply with Roke policies effectively.
• Comply with Roke design and development processes.
• Possess excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Key responsibilities:

Desired Technical Leadership qualities:

• Excellent communication and organisation skills.
• Foster the use of industry standards and best practices and safety standards, to ensure compliance, in a collaborative agile delivery.
• Identify and collaborate with all stakeholders.
• Engage with other technical experts.
• Provide guidance to colleagues and stakeholders
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Project & Agile Methodology:

• Undertake engineering design and development activities on time, on budget and in quality.
• Provide timely and accurate estimates of effort to completion, assessing complexity, and identifying risks.
• Support the definition of, and meeting of, project goals
• Work closely with Project Managers, Design Authorities, Systems Engineers, and other stakeholders to translate project requirements into actionable tasks.

Collaboration & Process Improvement:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Foster a positive and productive work environment
• Identify opportunities for improving engineering processes and practices.
• Implement best practices and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the development.
• Continually review the process by identifying bottlenecks and proposing improvements.

Desirable knowledge:

• Excellent skills in using Microwave Office
• Excellent skills in using Altium
• Design at frequencies from LF up to X Band
• Design of Low Noise Amplifiers
• Design of receivers
• Working with high-power amplifiers
• Performing Radiation Hazard Analysis
• Preparing Level Plans
• Knowledge of the defence business domain

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering, or equivalent qualification in the relevant field
• Experience in RF design engineering
• Experience in development and use of RF performance models (e.g., Microwave Office) and PCB circuit layout design (e.g., Altium)
• Experience in designing solutions with very low SWaP-C (Size, Weight and Power, and Cost)
• Experience in RF design for harsh environments (EMC, vibration, thermal)Experience of overseeing the transition of development hardware into production, including environmental testing, qualification testing and design certification
• Experience working with spectrum analysers, vector analysers, power meters, signal generators, filters, switches, receivers, and power supplies

Why You Should Join Us

We have a competitive salary and access to a number of additional flexible benefits, which will cover Health and Wellbeing, Savings and Protection and Life, Leisure and Entertainment.

Roke has a great community of groups with shared interests. These enable people to share ideas and be passionate about tools, technologies and techniques, which interest them.

We are committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion. Our working environment is friendly, creative and inclusive and support a diverse workforce and those with additional needs.

Security Information

Due to the nature of this position, we require you to be willing and eligible to achieve a minimum of SC clearance and then DV clearance. To qualify, the candidate should be a British Citizen and have resided in the UK for the last 5 years for SC and 10 years for DV.