Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - RF/Microwave in Cambridge

Filtronic is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team to work on a range of advanced RF and microwave products from concept through to volume production. With experienced engineers, advanced design tools and in-house RF/mmWave manufacturing capability, you will play a key role in developing high-frequency products as part of the Filtronic team. Our products range from low volume niche opportunity devices to high volume telecommunications, aerospace, defence and space-related applications.

Purpose of Role

To provide senior-level mechanical engineering expertise for the end-to-end development of advanced high-frequency RF systems, modules and amplifiers, ensuring that mechanical performance, thermal efficiency, reliability, manufacturability, quality and cost requirements are achieved. The role will involve leading and delivering the design of mechanically robust, lightweight and thermally efficient assemblies for demanding industrial, payload and high-reliability environments, including space-related applications. The successful candidate will be expected to provide technical guidance, support design reviews, mentor less experienced engineers where required, and help drive best practice across mechanical design activities.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design and Development: Lead the design of precision mechanical components and assemblies for RF modules and systems, including lightweight structural enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling solutions and waveguide-based architectures. Develop modular mechanical architectures suitable for integration into larger payload or system-level assemblies, considering mass, volume, mounting interfaces and serviceability. Ensure designs meet RF, thermal, mechanical and environmental requirements, including EMI shielding, structural stiffness, tolerance control, CTE compatibility, vibration, shock and ingress protection. Create and review detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks. Select appropriate materials, finishes and manufacturing processes to support product performance, reliability and manufacturability. Provide technical input into product architecture, design trade-offs and risk reduction activities.
• Thermal and Structural Analysis: Lead or support thermal analysis and simulation, including CFD and conjugate heat transfer, to validate cooling strategies for high-power RF amplifiers and electronic assemblies. Conduct and review structural and dynamic analysis using FEA for vibration, shock, fatigue and other load-case conditions typical of high-reliability payload deployment. Review mechanical properties of parts and assemblies, including thermal performance, mechanical stress and environmental robustness. Validate simulation models through physical testing and correlation with measured data. Use analysis results to influence design decisions and recommend practical engineering improvements.
• RF-Aware Mechanical Engineering: Work closely with RF, electronics and systems engineers to optimise mechanical features that influence RF performance, including cavity geometry, surface finish, plating, tolerances and material selection. Design mechanical solutions with consideration for waveguide structures, micro‑machined geometry, PCB integration and precision alignment. Support electromechanical product concept design in collaboration with RF, electronics and PCB design teams. Provide mechanical engineering guidance during RF product design reviews and customer‑facing technical discussions where required.
• Manufacturing Support: Lead designs for manufacturability, assembly and cost reduction using processes including CNC machining, die‑casting, additive manufacturing and sheet metal manufacture. Generate and review manufacturing documentation including bills of materials, GD&T drawings and assembly instructions. Manage and control engineering drawings and documentation in accordance with Drawing Office standards and company processes. Support suppliers and production teams during prototype build, first article approval and continuous improvement activity. Contribute to design reviews as part of the company’s ISO and NPI processes. Support engineering change activity through ECN/ECO processes. Provide technical support to resolve manufacturing, supplier or production issues.
• Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the build and test of mechanical prototypes and development hardware. Support environmental and reliability testing including thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, thermal shock and drop testing. Work with test and process engineering to develop production hardware, jigs and fixtures to optimise build and test efficiency. Provide technical support to internal stakeholders, customers and external partners throughout the product lifecycle. Capture lessons learned from prototype and qualification activity to improve future designs.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Significant experience in mechanical design, ideally within RF, microwave, electronics, aerospace, defence, space, telecoms or another high-reliability engineering environment.
• Strong 2D and 3D CAD skills, with SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience designing high-precision mechanical assemblies for constrained, high-reliability or technically demanding environments.
• Good understanding of PCB integration, RF shielding and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, preferably including CNC machining of aluminium alloys and lightweight structures.
• Excellent understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience developing and checking drawings for machined, cast, moulded, punched or sheet metal parts.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and engineering change processes.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and work effectively within cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Ability to support and mentor other engineers or designers.
• Must be a highly motivated individual able to interface effectively with internal and external customers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience with payload systems or deployment environments such as space, aerospace, defence or telecoms infrastructure.
• Experience with industrial system design.
• Hands‑on experience with FEA and thermal simulation tools, preferably SolidWorks Simulation or SolidWorks Flow.
• Familiarity with RF/mmWave product development, including waveguides, filters, amplifiers and high-frequency assemblies.
• Knowledge of lightweighting techniques and structural optimisation for mass‑constrained designs.
• Experience with high-reliability and qualification-driven design standards, such as MIL‑STD or ECSS.
• Familiarity with environmental testing such as thermal vacuum or vibration qualification.
• Knowledge of RoHS and WEEE compliance.
• Experience supporting supplier development, first article inspection or production readiness activity.
• Experience leading design reviews, technical investigations or product improvement projects.

Personal Attributes

• Strong problem‑solving ability with excellent attention to detail.
• Positive, proactive and hands‑on approach.
• Able to take technical ownership and make sound engineering decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in parallel.
• Clear and effective communicator across multidisciplinary teams, suppliers and customers.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable and eager to learn new tools, processes and technologies.
• Team player with a strong customer focus.
• Able to support, guide and influence others in a collaborative engineering environment.

The successful candidate must achieve the relevant security clearance to undertake this role.

Benefits

We recognise the value of exceptional talent. That's why this role is backed by an excellent salary and benefits package.

Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.