RF Systems Lead Engineer

Bristol

At MBDA, we are continuing to grow our Data Link Systems organisation, providing a world leading missile data link capability. A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an RF Systems Lead Engineer. You will be responsible for leading data link systems engineering work on a new weapons system programme, interfacing with both suppliers and customers, and providing technical leadership for junior RF systems engineers.

Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

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:

As RF system lead engineer, you will be the main Data Links technical point of contact for a weapon system project. You will be responsible for coordinating the systems engineering aspects of the project, including supporting bids, defining the system architecture, and managing development activities such as requirements management, system modelling management, and system proving plans (V&V). You will lead a small team of RF systems engineers.

What we’re looking for from you:

You will have an understanding of RF technologies, and system level design considerations for RF communication system. Ideally, you will be degree qualified in a STEM subject. You will have a strong background in systems engineering across the full product life cycle together with experience of managing suppliers. Customer facing skills are also highly desirable.

We’re looking for you to have an ability to work autonomously within a multi-skilled team with a good understanding and commitment to achieving project goals. You should also be able to perform technical investigations, provide problem assessments, and propose design solutions within a culture of innovative thinking.

We are looking for some of the following skills:

  • Managing internal suppliers, and external suppliers
  • Work package management
  • Technical leadership of junior engineers
  • Systems design methodologies
  • Requirements definition and management
  • Leading design reviews across the product lifecycle
  • Overseeing the transition of development hardware into production
  • Leading technical investigations
  • Experience with proving and validation
  • Configuration management
  • Awareness of simulation tools: Architecture (SysML) / performance modelling (MATLAB)
  • Experience working within an international team
  • Understanding of RF communication principals and design

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 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.

RF Test Engineer (Space)

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

What will you be doing?

What will you be doing?

As an RF Test Engineer at ALTEN, you’ll play a critical role in the testing and validation of radio frequency (RF) systems used in advanced space and satellite technologies. RF Engineers are responsible for working with equipment that transmits and receives signals — such as antennas, amplifiers, and communication modules — ensuring they perform correctly, reliably, and safely in complex environments like space.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing and executing RF testing procedures to measure things like signal strength, frequency response, power levels, interference, and system performance. You will work with highly specialised test equipment in a laboratory environment, contribute to design reviews, identify and troubleshoot signal or hardware issues, and support engineers in qualifying products for launch-readiness.

You will also play a key role in ensuring all systems meet international compliance standards (e.g. ETSI, FCC) and work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to support ongoing commercial satellite programmes.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • Conduct RF and EMC testing on satellite subsystems and equipment.
  • Supportvalidation and verification processes for high-tech space applications.
  • Contribute to the development of test plans and standard operating procedures.
  • Work on a shift basis (AM/PM rotation) to support 24/7 lab operations

You are…

  • Passionate about engineering
  • result-oriented
  • proactive

Qualifications

Experience, skills and qualifications required:

  • Degree in Electronics, Telecommunications, or a related field.
  • Strong background in RF Testing with hands-on experience in consumer product testing, SAR, and EMC.
  • Experience working in lab environments or test facilities
  • Ability to work on-site in Portsmouth, 5 days a week with AM/PM shift flexibility.

Additional Information

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We’re here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

  • A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
  • A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
  • A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
  • A competitive salary
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Pension Scheme
  • Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
  • Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
  • Flexible way of working (role dependent)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer

Simply put, at KBR, we do things that matter.

Every day, our people work together to deliver solutions that are helping solve the great challenges and opportunities of our time, including climate change, national security, energy transition and security, cybersecurity, space exploration, and more.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer will be working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team within the Approval Authority; the primary purpose of the role is to directly support current operations and future programmes.

Experience Required

  • Experienced Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer with previous knowledge of industrial plant and machinery.
  • Knowledge of current design standards and working practices including British, European and Defence Standards (Def Stan 59-411).
  • Theoretical and practical skill and experience across concept design, detailed design and construction stages across a range of electrical engineering projects (ideally including industrial and/or maritime).
  • Experience in the design assessment of plant and equipment to withstand EMC hazards.
  • Experience of authoring and producing robust technical justification, management plans, control plans and supporting documentation to allow for relevant design modifications to be authorised within a high hazard industry.
  • Experience working on multi-discipline projects providing engineering input (ideally within industrial and/or maritime).

Location The role is hybrid where 3 days per week will be spent either in the office in Glasgow City Centre or at site in Helensburgh.

Security Requirements SC Clearance

Due to the secure nature of this project, restrictions in relation to UK residency and nationality will apply. Join Our Talent Community!

Join the Talent Network | KBR Jobs Belong. Connect. Grow. At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

Find out more about life at KBR.

About KBR Culture Change the World!

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Senior Spectrum Engineer RF Measurement Specialist

Please note this role will close at 00.01 on the 5th November so we advise making your application by midnight on the 4th November.

About Ofcom

As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other.

Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

About the team you’ll be part of

Ofcom’s Spectrum Group manages the use of wireless spectrum throughout the UK to ensure that it is used efficiently. As the UK’s communications regulator we make spectrum available for new and innovative services such as next-generation mobile or satellite systems whilst ensuring that existing solutions like Wi-Fi and radio can continue to operate.

The role sits within the Spectrum Engineering Systems and Measurement team, part of the Spectrum Group. We provide high-quality technical modelling, advice and measurements to inform Ofcom’s spectrum policy and management decisions and subsequent implementation. We represent the UK in international groups to influence the future of spectrum management and technology. Our skilled Engineering team includes a wide range of technical experts from varied backgrounds, and we benefit from the different perspectives they bring.

Purpose of the Role

This is an important role, helping our engineering and policy teams analyse current and future use of the wireless spectrum; interpret what this means for UK spectrum management; and recommend how Ofcom can best balance the interests of stakeholders and consumers through its measurement and policy work. The role requires creativity and insight to develop measurement solutions to understand how radio communication technologies such as mobile, fixed and satellite operate in different scenarios. Given Ofcom’s cross-spectrum remit, the work covers an exceptional range of topics including coexistence, interoperability, coverage, propagation, and spectrum monitoring.

The role offers an exciting mix of RF lab measurements, field trials and associated data analysis, combined with wider engagement with policy teams, where your understanding of underlying systems will help support a solid basis for new and existing wireless services. You will work with colleagues across the organisation as well as stakeholders from the communications industry and international forums.

This role is based at our Baldock Radio Station facilities near Stevenage, and while we support hybrid working in line with our corporate policy the work is predominantly laboratory based with some field travel, mainly in the UK.

Your key responsibilities

You will:

  • use your specialist RF measurement experience to scope, design and undertake complex RF lab and field measurements and associated data analysis to provide solid evidence which underpins our spectrum management work
  • take the lead in delivering on technical measurement projects, working with colleagues across the organisation as well as external stakeholders
  • help to develop our measurement capabilities, keeping abreast of new technology, test equipment and measurement methods
  • organise and participate in the maintenance and installation of monitoring equipment and antenna systems
  • prepare oral and written reports, meeting inputs and presentations, often at a senior level
  • use your extensive practical knowledge and experience to support and mentor less experienced members of the team
  • translate complex topics for non-technical audiences
  • manage the necessary quality assurance, asset management, equipment calibration, procurement and project governance of your projects
  • have the opportunity to represent Ofcom and the UK at national and international technical standards bodies

The skills, knowledge and experience you will need for success

Technical knowledge and experience

  • You will have extensive experience working across a range of different RF frequencies and technologies
  • Practical technical measurement expertise in planning and undertaking radio equipment test; complex monitoring campaigns; field trials; and using RF or EMC measurement equipment
  • Ability to translate your knowledge into other bands, different modulation types and a variety of equipment systems
  • Numerical skills, with the ability to understand varied datasets and extract key trends
  • Knowledge of installation and maintenance of specialised technical equipment
  • Evidence of technical knowledge on RF topics including coexistence, interoperability, coverage, propagation, and spectrum monitoring

Behavioural attributes

  • Evidence and enthusiasm for technical problem solving and creative thinking
  • Scanning Horizons and Building Solutions – understand the bigger picture, identify and solve complex issues, using evidence-based methods to develop well-founded solutions
  • Articulating Ideas – express the context, results and conclusions of technical work, whether written or orally, in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone
  • Project Management – organise tasks or projects, manage your own and other engineering colleagues’ input, setting clear goals and keeping an eye on progress to ensure timely delivery
  • Forming Relationships – build and nurture positive relationships with people inside and outside the organisation
  • Empowering Development – Support the growth and development of others’ skills and strengths, through empowerment and mentorship

Qualifications and Accreditations

  • You will have an engineering or other technical, scientific or numerical degree or possess an equivalent level of experience.

Inclusivity Statement

At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment in order to truly reflect the society we represent.

Where positions are listed as full time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment. We warmly welcome applications from candidate returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.

As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about the scheme here.

If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.

Principal RF Engineer

Please note: All candidates must have existing right to work in the UK and not require visa sponsorship in the future. They must also be able to meet the requirements of the UK Security Clearance vetting process. The Principal RF/mmWave Engineer will lead the design, development, and testing of advanced RF systems and submodules. In this role, you will act as a technical authority, driving high-performance RF solutions across a range of projects, from concept to production. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define architecture, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure RF systems meet demanding performance, compliance, and reliability standards to ensure successful project execution..

The Principal RF Engineer is responsible for delivering robust RF designs, supporting technology development, maintaining high engineering standards, and contributing to the company’s product roadmap.

Role Responsibilities: Technical:

  • Lead the design, simulation, and development of RF and mmWave circuits, components, subsystems and systems from DC to V-Band and beyond
  • Conduct RF system analysis, performance optimisation, and troubleshooting of complex designs
  • Conduct simulation and modelling of RF circuits using tools like ADS, CST, MWO or similar
  • Carry out RF measurements, characterisation, and validation of prototypes and production hardware
  • Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and results
  • Ensure designs meet required specifications, standards, and customer requirements
  • Contribute to technology and product roadmaps with innovative RF design solutions
  • Support RFQs, proposals, and customer engagements with technical input where required

Project & Product Management:

  • Work with project managers and engineering leads to deliver designs on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards
  • Support the transition of designs from concept through prototyping into volume manufacturing
  • Collaborate with process engineering and operations to ensure manufacturability and yield of RF products
  • Assist in risk identification and mitigation during the design and development process

Collaboration & Communication:

  • Work closely with electronics, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions
  • Provide technical expertise and support to internal and external stakeholders, including customers
  • Present technical work and project updates to peers, management, and customers as required

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

  • Stay up to date with RF/microwave industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices
  • Contribute ideas for new architectures, design techniques, and process improvements
  • Support a culture of innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development

Requirements ESSENTIAL

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Communications/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
  • Significant hands-on experience in RF and/or mmWave design, simulation, and test
  • Strong knowledge of RF CAD tools (e.g., ADS, AWR, CST, or similar)
  • Proven track record in RF circuit and subsystem development (LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, oscillators, etc.)
  • Experience in RF measurement techniques and use of VNAs, spectrum/network analysers, and test automation
  • Strong problem-solving ability and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

DESIRABLE

  • Experience in high-frequency design (Ku, Ka, Q, V and E-band)
  • Familiarity with volume manufacturing processes and DFM/DFT
  • Experience working to quality standards and regulatory requirements

Benefits We recognise the value of exceptional talent. That’s why this role is backed by an outstanding salary and benefits package, benchmarked close to the top of the sector.

Please call our Talent Partner, Bruce Mair on 07483 917543 if you would like to chat about this role, clarify the salary and benefits prior to investing your time applying, understand what skills and experience we would like to see, and what success looks like in this role. Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist. Please note: All candidates must have existing right to work in the UK and not require visa sponsorship in the future. They must also be able to meet the requirements of the UK Security Clearance vetting process.

RF Engineering – Speculative Talent Pipeline

Department: Engineering

Location: Bristol, UK

Description We’re building the next UK-headquartered engineering powerhouse. We design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in environments where fast, informed decision-making is vital. Our goal is to deliver mission advantage to those working to safeguard national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure.

Headquartered in Bristol (UK), we combine modern engineering methods with cutting-edge commercial technology to create adaptable, mission-critical systems. We focus on solving the tough challenges that others overlook, ensuring our customers can operate effectively in an ever-changing world.

About the opportunity  Due to increased demand, we’re building a pipeline for talented and inquisitive engineers with experience across the RF domain – from communications and sensing to digital signal processing and hardware design.

If you have experience in one or more of the areas below and are motivated by solving challenging technical problems that directly support UK and allied missions, we’d love to hear from you. You can register your interest by applying to this advert, and when a suitable vacancy opens, we’ll get in contact with you.

You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers, covering RF, electronics, software, systems, DevOps, and networks, contributing to a hands-on, fast-paced engineering culture that values impact, curiosity, and collaboration.

Areas of Interest We’re particularly interested in applicants with experience or strong interest in one or more of the following areas:

  • Communication and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Design: Designing and developing RF systems for communication, sensing, and countermeasure applications. This includes understanding system-level architectures, link budgets, and the practical considerations that influence real-world deployment. Experience with modern and legacy RF communication systems, direction finding, or spectrum management is valuable.
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Developing and implementing algorithms for signal detection, classification, and identification. This could include modulation and demodulation techniques, adaptive filtering, spectral estimation, or feature extraction from complex RF environments. Experience translating theoretical DSP approaches into real-time embedded or SDR implementations is especially welcome.
  • RF Hardware Design: Designing RF subsystems and PCBs from concept through to prototype and validation, covering HF through to SHF bands. This may include low-noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, ADC/DAC integration, and mixed-signal design considerations. Applicants who enjoy bridging the gap between hardware and software, particularly where system performance is driven by RF integrity, will thrive here.
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) Design and Implementation: Working across hardware and software layers to develop flexible and reconfigurable RF systems. This includes experience with SDR frameworks, custom waveform implementations, driver integration, and performance tuning for real-time operation. Familiarity with platforms such as USRP, BladeRF, or bespoke SDR architectures is advantageous.
  • FPGA Development for High-Speed Processing: Implementing and optimising FPGA-based signal processing pipelines operating > 100 MSPS. This might include high-throughput filtering, FFTs, digital up/down conversion, or modulation/demodulation. Experience with VHDL, Verilog, or high-level synthesis tools for DSP acceleration will be valuable.
  • RF System Simulation and Modelling: Building and validating models that capture waveform behaviour, physical-layer effects, and propagation characteristics under realistic operational conditions. This includes exploring channel models, interference and jamming effects, and time-varying propagation. Experience developing or using simulation tools to assess performance before hardware testing is highly valued.
  • Automated Testing and Validation: Designing and developing automated frameworks to evaluate RF subsystems and systems. This could include test scripting, signal generation and capture automation, regression testing, or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups. Applicants with experience in creating repeatable, data-driven test environments that accelerate validation and characterisation will be well suited.
  • Wireless Communications and Waveform Development: Designing and implementing new or adapted waveforms and communication schemes for constrained, contested, or covert environments. This might include modulation design, protocol development, or adaptive control of transmission parameters to optimise performance in dynamic RF conditions.

Who We’re Looking For We’re keen to hear from people who:

  • Are hands-on problem solvers with a solid grasp of RF engineering fundamentals.
  • Have experience with tools and languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust or HDL (VHDL/Verilog).
  • Thrive in technically challenging environments and enjoy learning new skills.
  • Are outcome-focused and pragmatic, balancing precision with pace.
  • Enjoy collaboration and can communicate technical ideas clearly.

Experience in defence, aerospace, or secure communications sectors is valuable but not required. Curiosity, motivation, and willingness to engage in complex RF problem-solving are what matter most.

Working at Rowden We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!

Senior Engineer – Compliance and Approvals – EMC

A wonderful opportunity to join a premium brand in the world of electrical and electronic appliances.  Their innovative products and numerous patented designs have won them plaudits all over the world.  They are driven and thrive on challenges of relentless improvement.

The ‘Compliance & Approvals’ team ensure that all products meet the legal requirements for all countries of sale, gaining the necessary approvals or registrations in the appropriate timeframe. As part of this important team you will remove barriers to markets and make sure products comply to all regulations and standards within various countries around the world. These regulations cover such things as:

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility
  • Radio Frequency
  • Basic Safety
  • Functional Safety
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Banned and Restricted Substances

As part of our Compliance and Approvals team, you will work in our internal EMC and Radio test facilities to verify compliance by preparing and testing prototypes. You will also assist with liaison to the relevant Regulatory Authorities in the countries we market our products, providing them with Test Reports, Applications and Technical Documentation to support Certifications for each market.

We work closely with independent accredited test service providers to make sure that our route to compliance for our innovative technologies is understood and accepted.

Responsibilities

  • Perform EMC Compliance testing as part of the IECEE SMT scheme and deliver EMC CB certification
  • Provide pre-compliance testing support to assess EMC performance and Energy Efficiency during project development
  • Collaborating with project engineers to support investigative testing to assess EMC performance and Energy Efficiency for new and novel technologies
  • Deliver and report accurate and reliable EMC test results
  • Maintain EMC laboratory test facilities and test equipment in accordance with ISO 17025 quality standard in relation to testing, calibration, accreditation and data management
  • Work to maintain and improve laboratory ISO 17025 Quality Management System
  • Be able to represent the C&A Team internally and externally to the business
  • Contribute to C&A Team level initiatives & change projects

The Person

  • HND/Degree or equivalent in a relevant technical subject
  • Experience in a similar environment for EMC test applications would be very beneficial
  • Experience working in a ISO 17025 accredited environment
  • Good communication skills both oral and written
  • Passion and agility to work in a diverse and agile environment

The Rewards

A very attractive salary package awaits the right individual along with a whole host of benefits including:

  • Career development and growth in a global team
  • 27 days holiday plus eight statutory bank holidays
  • Performance related bonus
  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Discounts on company products
  • Subsidised café and restaurants
  • Free on-site parking
  • Sport centre

Interested? 

Simply fill in your details below and click the submit orange button.  It’s simple and straight forward.

If you have any questions please feel free to email direct to garry@cagedtigers.co.uk or call 01823 286196

Caged Tigers is a specialist Search & Selection Consultancy delivering Engineering, Commercial and Leadership talent across the UK and Mainland Europe.