Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)
Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)

Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)

Edinburgh Part-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and test RF/Microwave circuitry for advanced airborne radar systems.
  • Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence company in Edinburgh, shaping the future of technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a collaborative team environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that impact national security and technology advancements.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in RF/Microwave design; degree in Electronic Engineering or related STEM field required.
  • Other info: UK citizenship is mandatory for security clearance; previous experience in aerospace/defence is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

The Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave engineers would be responsible for design, commissioning and test of RF/ Microwave circuitry on complex systems for airborne Radar products. The successful candidate may be required to supervise other less experienced RF / Microwave engineers working on the same project. The role will be based at our customer’s site in Edinburgh and may allow for hybrid working after an initial period of familiarisation onsite.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Creating high-quality and robust RF/ Microwave circuit designs
  • Documenting and recording deliverables
  • Supporting integration & verification activities at hardware and system level
  • Keeping designs under configuration control
  • Providing progress reports

Work Experience

Essential

  • At least 5 years’ RF/ Microwave design experience including:
  • Microwave PCB materials & design techniques
  • Microwave Sub-System design
  • Knowledge of microwave power amplifier design & technology
  • Design of complex microwave switch matrix
  • Application of microwave GaAs/ GaN MMICs
  • Design of complex passive microwave structures
  • S-parameter manipulation
  • EM 3D and 2D simulation techniques
  • Non-linear circuit simulation and modelling
  • Matching network design
  • Microwave component selection
  • Understanding of Radar / RF Systems, including experience of Frequency synthesizer design, Receiver architectures and design, General RF and Microwave PCB-level design with COTS active & passive components
  • Proficient in one or more of the following RF / Microwave design tools: AWR Microwave office, CST Microwave studio, Keysight (Agilent) ADS, or AWR Visual System Simulator
  • Ability to analyse system requirements and derive detailed hardware requirements
  • Experience of debugging & testing new RF / Microwave circuit designs
  • Previous experience of the full hardware design lifecycle and presenting designs for peer/ formal design reviews
  • Self-motivated, with an aptitude to problem solve and drive difficult issues to conclusion
  • Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities, liaising closely with the Project Engineering Lead, Lead RF / Microwave engineer & other engineering disciplines
  • Experience of liaising with Manufacturing / Production colleagues and external suppliers of key components and assemblies
  • Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills
  • Experience in writing technical reports / documentation

Desirable

  • Relevant experience in the Aerospace/ Defence industry or on other complex/ high-reliability systems
  • Previous experience of designing DDS, PLL, DAC, ADC circuits, high dynamic range / low-noise design & minimising phase noise
  • Experience of hardware requirements capture, requirements management tools and formal verification of hardware requirements
  • Experience of supervising other RF/ Microwave engineers, planning and managing work for yourself and a small team

Qualifications

  • Honours or Masters degree in Electronic Engineering or a related STEM subject, with specialisation in RF/ Microwave circuit design
  • UK citizenship is mandatory to be able to clear the background checks and obtain SC clearance
  • Current valid SC clearance would be an advantage

Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh) employer: Quest Global

As a leading employer in the aerospace and defence sector, we offer an exceptional work environment in Edinburgh, where innovation meets collaboration. Our culture prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, particularly for those in senior roles like the Senior or Principal RF/Microwave Engineer. With the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements after initial onboarding, we ensure a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to cutting-edge projects that make a real impact.
Q

Contact Detail:

Quest Global Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the RF/Microwave engineering field, especially those who have experience in aerospace or defence. Attend industry conferences or local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise in RF/Microwave design tools like AWR Microwave Office or CST Microwave Studio by engaging in online forums or contributing to open-source projects. This can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail during interviews. Be ready to explain your design process, challenges faced, and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to complex microwave systems.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, such as SC clearance. If you already have it, mention this in conversations; if not, be prepared to discuss how you would obtain it.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)

RF/Microwave Circuit Design
Microwave PCB Materials & Design Techniques
Microwave Sub-System Design
Microwave Power Amplifier Design & Technology
Complex Microwave Switch Matrix Design
Application of GaAs/GaN MMICs
Design of Passive Microwave Structures
S-Parameter Manipulation
EM 3D and 2D Simulation Techniques
Non-linear Circuit Simulation and Modelling
Matching Network Design
Microwave Component Selection
Understanding of Radar/RF Systems
Frequency Synthesizer Design
Receiver Architectures and Design
Proficiency in RF/Microwave Design Tools (AWR Microwave Office, CST Microwave Studio, Keysight ADS)
Ability to Analyse System Requirements
Debugging & Testing of RF/Microwave Circuit Designs
Full Hardware Design Lifecycle Experience
Technical Report Writing
Excellent Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Supervisory Experience in RF/Microwave Engineering

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in RF/Microwave design. Focus on specific projects where you've created circuit designs, documented deliverables, or supervised other engineers. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the company is looking for.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your experience with microwave PCB materials, power amplifier design, and any relevant tools like AWR Microwave Office or CST Microwave Studio. Be sure to mention your ability to lead and coordinate technical activities.

Showcase Technical Skills: When detailing your work experience, emphasise your proficiency in RF/Microwave design tools and techniques. Include examples of how you've applied non-linear circuit simulation, matching network design, and S-parameter manipulation in past projects. This will demonstrate your technical expertise.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of your experience in writing technical reports and documentation. Mention any instances where you've presented designs for peer reviews or liaised with manufacturing colleagues, showcasing your interpersonal abilities.

How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Global

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with RF/Microwave design in detail. Highlight specific projects where you applied your knowledge of microwave PCB materials, power amplifier design, and complex switch matrices. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage technical activities. Think of examples from your past work where you successfully coordinated with other engineers or resolved challenging issues, as this will show your leadership potential.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools

Make sure you are well-versed in the RF/Microwave design tools mentioned in the job description, such as AWR Microwave Office or CST Microwave Studio. Being able to discuss your proficiency with these tools will give you an edge over other candidates.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Since the role requires excellent communication abilities, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable, as this will be crucial when liaising with team members and presenting designs.

Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)
Quest Global
Q
  • Senior or Principal RF/ Microwave Engineer (Edinburgh)

    Edinburgh
    Part-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-18

  • Q

    Quest Global

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