Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF hardware for defence systems from concept to testing.
- Company: Leading defence engineering organisation focused on innovative technology.
- Benefits: Salary up to £65,000, bonus, paid overtime, pension, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on role in a dynamic environment with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF/microwave design and strong practical engineering skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-reliability programmes in challenging environments.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 78000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer to join a leading defence engineering organisation developing advanced RF hardware for complex weapons and sensor systems. This is a hands-on, component-level role suited to an experienced engineer who enjoys owning RF designs from initial concept through to lab testing, verification and manufacture.
You will work on technically challenging, high-reliability defence programmes, designing and proving RF and microwave hardware that operates in demanding and harsh environments.
The Role
As a Senior RF Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development and verification of RF hardware across the full engineering lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:
- Design and development of RF and microwave circuits across 30MHz–30GHz
- Design of LNAs, HPAs, filters, oscillators, synthesisers and modulators
- RF simulation, schematic capture and layout using industry-standard tools
- Hands-on laboratory work including soldering, fault-finding, board modification and rapid prototyping
- Conducting RF design proving tests using spectrum analysers, VNAs and power meters
- Designing hardware for harsh environments including EMC, vibration and thermal constraints
- Supporting products through manufacture, including DFM and DFT activities
- Producing clear technical documentation and communicating results to internal stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Proven experience in component-level RF and microwave hardware design
- Strong hands-on laboratory and practical engineering skills
- Confident use of RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, VNAs and power meters
- Experience using RF design and layout tools such as Microwave Office
- Good knowledge of analogue, digital and power supply design
Desirable:
- Experience in defence, aerospace or other safety-critical industries
- Exposure to regulated, high-reliability electronic products
- Experience supporting qualification, manufacture and production test
Security & Eligibility (Non-negotiable)
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British Citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship and capable of achieving the required security clearance (BPSS as a minimum).
Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer employer: Cirrus Selection Limited
Contact Detail:
Cirrus Selection Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the RF and microwave engineering field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your RF designs and projects. Include any hands-on lab work you've done, like soldering or testing with spectrum analysers. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with RF design tools and test equipment. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really understand your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a leading defence engineering organisation!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RF and microwave hardware design, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on lab work you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about RF design and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your technical skills, especially with RF test equipment and design tools like Microwave Office. We love seeing candidates who are confident in their abilities and can back it up with examples from past work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cirrus Selection Limited
✨Know Your RF Basics
Brush up on your RF and microwave fundamentals before the interview. Be ready to discuss key concepts like LNAs, HPAs, and circuit design principles. This will show that you have a solid grasp of the technical aspects required for the role.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Since this role involves practical engineering, be prepared to share examples of your hands-on experience. Talk about specific projects where you conducted lab work, used RF test equipment, or tackled challenges in circuit design. Real-world examples can make a big impact!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Make sure you're comfortable discussing industry-standard tools like Microwave Office and any RF simulation software you've used. If you can, bring along examples of your work or designs to demonstrate your proficiency. This shows you're not just familiar but also experienced.
✨Understand the Defence Context
Research the defence sector and understand the unique challenges it presents, especially regarding high-reliability products. Being able to discuss how your skills align with the demands of designing for harsh environments will set you apart from other candidates.
