At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF hardware for next-gen communication systems.
- Company: Join Honeywell, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aerospace and space communications with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering and 5+ years in RF/microwave development required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
As a Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer at Honeywell, you will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of advanced engineering solutions that drive innovation, performance, and reliability across critical systems. You will work within cross‑functional teams on complex projects that support next‑generation products and technologies. In this role, you will contribute to the development of sophisticated Software Defined Radio solutions for space communications systems, ensuring robust design, integration, and performance of components and subsystems. Your strong technical expertise and hands‑on approach will be essential in delivering high‑quality, reliable systems that meet demanding mission and customer requirements. You will report directly to our Engineering Manager and work out of our Edinburgh, UK location on an on‑site work schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop RF hardware for communication systems from UHF to Ka Band for telemetry, telecommand and datalink applications
- Design active RF circuits including LNAs, SSPAs, driver amplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, frequency synthesizers and PLLs
- Perform RF architecture trades, link budgets, gain/noise analysis, linearity, and dynamic range calculations
- Develop RF schematics, perform component selection, and support PCB layout
- Conduct RF simulations using tools such as AWR, ADS, CST, HFSS, and MATLAB
- Perform RF testing and troubleshooting using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and noise figure analysers
- Support environmental and qualification testing (EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, etc.)
- Investigate and resolve RF performance issues across development, integration, and production
- Produce technical documentation (design reports, test procedures, verification reports, design reviews)
- Support product owner and project engineer in product development and meeting technical milestones
- Support customer technical interactions and design reviews
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
- Proven track record in designing and testing active RF circuits and systems
- Minimum 5 years’ industrial experience in RF/microwave hardware development
- Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including: RF line‑up analysis, link budget calculation, linearity, intermodulation, EVM, transmitter performance, noise figure, SNR, BER, receiver sensitivity, phase noise and frequency synthesis
- Hands‑on experience with RF measurements and debugging
- Ability to work independently on complex technical tasks with limited supervision
- Proven experience in developing and delivering engineering solutions from requirements through to implementation
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for innovation and continuous learning
- Attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality delivery
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defence, or space communication systems, including exposure to mission‑critical RF applications
- Experience in telemetry, telecommand, or satellite communication systems, with familiarity in SDR‑based and digital communication architectures
- Understanding of RF system lifecycle and qualification processes, including EMI/EMC, environmental testing, and product certification
- Familiarity with advanced radio architectures, including FPGA‑based systems and high‑speed digital interfaces
- Experience supporting formal engineering design reviews (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and structured development processes
- Strong technical ownership and accountability, with the ability to take designs from development through integration and delivery
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and across multidisciplinary teams
- Strong analytical thinking and structured problem‑solving capability in complex RF/system environments
- Commitment to engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and high‑quality delivery in a fast‑paced environment
Equal Opportunity Employment
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
At Honeywell, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh where innovation thrives. Our culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working on cutting-edge RF/Microwave technologies that impact critical systems. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that drive the future of aerospace and defence.
Contact Details:
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior RF/Microwave Design Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, 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!
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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 Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
✨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 Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.
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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.
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Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. 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.
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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 Honeywell Aerospace Technologies love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.