At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative RF systems and collaborate across teams to create cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join Forefront RF, a pioneering fabless semiconductor company revolutionising global connectivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work hours, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in RF technology and help shape the future of connectivity.
- Qualifications: Strong background in RF systems and experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Forefront RF is a fabless semiconductor company developing breakthrough RF technology that radically simplifies RF front‑end architectures for mobile and connected devices. Our long‑term vision is to empower anyone to treat global connectivity as a commodity, effortlessly adding it to any device. We lead through innovation, solving our customers’ toughest challenges and enabling them to stay ahead by pushing the boundaries of RF design.
Our Values
- One team: Collaboration, share, build solutions together.
- Innovation with intent: Build innovative pathways to meet real customer needs.
- Solutions driven: Deliver effortless connectivity through manufacturable designs that solve real world challenges.
- Customer focused: Act with integrity and hold ourselves accountable to deliver customer focused solutions.
- Sustainable: Make responsible choices in design, supply chain, and operations. Simplify where possible, reducing waste, and contributing to a more efficient RF ecosystem.
Role Overview
As we move from core technology development toward customer qualification and productisation, system‑level architectural clarity has become critical. We are expanding the CTO team with a RF Systems Architect who will play a central role in aligning RF design, algorithms, software, and test into a coherent, validated system architecture.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the end‑to‑end RF system architecture, from RFIC blocks and tuning through control, software interfaces, calibration, and test.
- Translate product and technical specification requirements (e.g., 3GPP) into clear system and sub‑block specs, making design choices that support buildability, test, and reuse.
- Define and execute system analyses and feasibility studies aligned with Forefront RF’s technology roadmap.
- Act as the technical bridge between RF design, algorithm development, embedded software, and test teams.
- Clarify ownership and interfaces, and ensure assumptions made in one area are understood and verifiable in others.
- Define how the system is validated, including simulation coverage, measurement plans, and coverage of key corner cases.
- Lead review and resolution of gaps between simulated and measured system performance.
- Proactively identify system‑level risks and trade‑offs, and drive alignment on mitigation plans.
- Support the CTO with a clear view of architectural uncertainties that affect schedule, yield, or customer performance.
- Ensure the system architecture supports customer use cases and integration needs.
- Contribute to customer‑facing technical material and support system‑level technical discussions with customers & partners.
- Set the standard for clear, system‑level engineering thinking and decision making.
- Promote structured technical reviews, clear documentation, and evidence‑based decision making.
Requirements
Technical Skills
- Strong background in RF systems, RFICs, or RF module development in a commercial product environment.
- Proven experience working across multiple disciplines: RF design, algorithms, embedded software, and validation/test.
- Demonstrated ability to reason at system level, balancing performance, complexity, risk, and manufacturability.
- Experience defining system architectures, performance budgets, and RF specifications.
- Hands‑on understanding of RF measurements, hardware/system debugging, and real‑world non‑idealities.
People Skills
- Excellent system‑level analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly across disciplines.
- Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving constructive technical debate.
- High sense of ownership for technical correctness and system integrity.
- Pragmatic mindset: focused on what can be built, tested, and delivered.
Nice to have
- Experience with mobile RF front‑ends and relevant standards (e.g., 3GPP, MIPI).
- Exposure to NPI, manufacturing, or production test considerations.
- Prior experience in a fabless semiconductor or start‑up environment.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension contributions.
- Company Share Option Scheme.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Weekly company lunches.
- Flexible work hours and remote work options.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life assurance x 4.
- Income protection.
- Healthshield Cash plan.
- Heka flexible benefits platform.
Equal Opportunity
Forefront RF is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
RF Systems Architect in Cambridge employer: Forefront RF
Forefront RF in Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. With competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and comprehensive benefits like private medical insurance, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in RF engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Systems Architect in Cambridge
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time RF Systems Architect role you’re after at Forefront RF.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Forefront RF a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Forefront RF.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like RF Systems Architect at Forefront RF, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace RF Systems Architect in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like RF Systems Architect, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Forefront RF a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Forefront RF specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forefront RF
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Forefront RF, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Forefront RF want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
