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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF hardware for defence systems from concept to testing.
- Company: Leading defence engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, bonuses, paid overtime, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a team tackling challenging projects in high-reliability environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF/microwave design and strong lab skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic field.
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 in Stevenage 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 in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the RF and microwave design field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with RF test equipment and design tools. We recommend practising common interview questions related to RF hardware design to show off your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Create a portfolio that highlights your best RF and microwave designs. Include details about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help us see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer in Stevenage
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 up with 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. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially with RF test equipment and design tools like Microwave Office. We’re keen to see how you’ve used these in past projects, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 filters, as well as how they apply to real-world scenarios. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also translate it into practical applications.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Since this role involves a lot of lab work, be prepared to share specific examples of your hands-on experience. Talk about projects where you’ve done soldering, fault-finding, or rapid prototyping. Highlighting your practical skills will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Make sure you’re comfortable discussing the industry-standard tools mentioned in the job description, like Microwave Office for design and spectrum analysers for testing. If you have experience with these tools, be ready to provide examples of how you’ve used them effectively in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in RF design. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with design challenges or testing scenarios. This will help you convey your expertise and confidence during the interview.
