Research Engineer in Cambridge

Research Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us in developing next-gen radar tech through modelling, simulation, and experimentation.
  • Company: Cambridge Aerospace, a fast-growing defence tech company with a mission to enhance security.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for top talent.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: STEM degree and a passion for radar theory and experimental design.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Cambridge Aerospace is seeking a talented R&D Engineer to support the development of next‑generation multistatic radar capability. You’ll help de‑risk early system development through modelling, simulation, experimentation, and architectural exploration.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and deliver R&D activities on next-generation radar concepts
  • Reduce technical risk through modelling, simulation, and empirical testing
  • Shape system requirements and early architecture options
  • Explore processing techniques and draft processing workflows
  • Contribute to system CONOPS and identify limitations
  • Conduct measurements using COTS equipment and analyse results

Requirements

  • STEM degree (Electronics, Physics, or similar)
  • Understanding of radar theory and willingness to deepen expertise
  • Experimental design, data collection, and analysis

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

  • Experience in fast-paced R&D or startup environments, with rapid prototype iteration times
  • Deep radar theory knowledge
  • DSP, signal processing, or algorithm development
  • Familiarity with RF hardware (SDRs, antennas, timing/sync)
  • Experience with CONOPS or trade‑space analysis
  • Systems engineering or architecture background

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation and stock options
  • Private Medical & Dental
  • Cycle to work scheme

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.

We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.

We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission.

If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Research Engineer in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Aerospace

Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development alongside competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including private medical and dental care. Our inclusive workplace culture encourages collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for passionate engineers to advance their careers in radar technology.

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Contact Details:

Cambridge Aerospace Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Engineer in Cambridge

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Cambridge Aerospace for a Research Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Cambridge

Modelling
Simulation
Empirical Testing
Radar Theory
Experimental Design
Data Collection
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Cambridge Aerospace, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Cambridge Aerospace, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Aerospace

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Cambridge Aerospace.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Cambridge Aerospace. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Cambridge Aerospace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.