Principal RF Engineer

Principal RF Engineer

Cambridge Full-Time 80000 £ / year No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge RF subsystems for advanced radio terminals.
  • Company: Join a leader in mission-critical communications, shaping secure communication systems globally.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a collaborative team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact by solving complex signal challenges in a dynamic engineering team.
  • Qualifications: Proven RF electronics design experience, with expertise in key areas like receivers and transmitters.
  • Other info: Work in state-of-the-art labs and contribute to innovative solutions across critical sectors.

An established leader in mission-critical communications is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to drive the design and development of next-generation RF subsystems for advanced radio terminals. This is a hands-on, technically focused role for an experienced RF Engineer who thrives on solving real-world signal challenges across frequencies. You'll work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to design, test, and optimise RF architectures that meet the stringent demands of secure and reliable communication systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead RF design and development for radio terminal products (Tx/Rx, PA, antenna, and matching networks)
  • Own complete RF subsystem delivery from specification to integration
  • Collaborate with baseband, audio, and software teams to ensure end-to-end performance
  • Create and review schematics, guide PCB layout, and support EMC/EMI compliance
  • Conduct testing, validation, and optimisation using anechoic chambers and other RF lab environments
  • Generate technical documentation (design specs, test plans, performance reports)

Requirements:

  • Proven background in RF electronics design, ideally within comms or telecoms
  • Solid experience in at least 3 key areas: RF Receivers, Transmitters, PAs, Frequency Generators, Matching Networks, or Antennas
  • Hands-on with component-level work including rework/mods and sensitive PCB handling
  • Comfortable working across frequency ranges
  • Familiar with simulation tools (ADS, CST) and lab testing procedures
  • Strong documentation, problem-solving, and communication skills

This is a chance to join an innovative engineering team building secure communications solutions used across critical sectors worldwide. If you're ready to make an impact in the RF space and want to work on challenging, high-performance designs - apply now.

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Contact Detail:

Platform Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal RF Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the RF engineering field. Attend industry conferences, workshops, or local meetups to connect with others who work in communications and telecoms. This can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals for the Principal RF Engineer position.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your hands-on experience with RF components during interviews. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you designed or optimised RF subsystems, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities that are crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in RF engineering. Being knowledgeable about advancements in RF design tools and testing procedures can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your collaboration experiences with cross-disciplinary teams. Highlight how you've worked with baseband, audio, and software engineers in past roles, as this is essential for ensuring end-to-end performance in RF systems.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal RF Engineer

RF Electronics Design
Signal Processing
Transmitter and Receiver Design
Power Amplifiers (PAs)
Frequency Generators
Matching Networks
Antenna Design
PCB Layout and Design
EMC/EMI Compliance
Simulation Tools (ADS, CST)
Lab Testing Procedures
Technical Documentation
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in RF electronics design, especially in areas like RF Receivers, Transmitters, and Antennas. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for RF engineering and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Principal RF Engineer role. Mention your familiarity with simulation tools and lab testing procedures, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Showcase Technical Skills: When detailing your technical skills, be specific about your experience with PCB layout, EMC/EMI compliance, and any relevant testing environments you've worked in. This will help demonstrate your capability to lead RF design and development effectively.

Highlight Documentation Experience: Since strong documentation skills are essential for this role, include examples of technical documentation you've generated, such as design specs or performance reports. This will show that you can communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Platform Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal RF Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of RF electronics design. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've tackled challenges related to RF receivers, transmitters, or antennas. Highlight your hands-on experience with component-level work and any relevant simulation tools you've used.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved complex RF issues. This will showcase your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working closely with cross-disciplinary teams, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with other engineers, such as baseband or software teams. Share examples of how effective communication led to successful project outcomes, demonstrating your teamwork abilities.

✨Demonstrate Documentation Proficiency

Strong documentation skills are essential for this role. Be prepared to talk about your experience in generating technical documentation, such as design specs and test plans. Highlight how your attention to detail has contributed to project success and compliance with standards.

Principal RF Engineer
Platform Recruitment
Location: Cambridge

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