Principal RF Engineer in North East

Principal RF Engineer in North East

North East Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
IC Resources

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge RF/mmWave circuits and subsystems.
  • Company: Specialist RF and microwave engineering business with a focus on high-performance technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and learning support.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with real impact on advanced communications technology.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of innovative RF designs and influence product performance directly.
  • Qualifications: Strong RF/microwave design experience and practical production knowledge required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our client is a specialist RF and microwave engineering business developing high-performance technology for telecoms, defence, space and advanced communications markets. Their work spans complex RF/mmWave hardware, from niche specialist programmes through to higher-volume product platforms, with design, test and manufacturing kept closely connected in-house.

They are looking for a Principal RF Engineer to take a leading technical role across the full product lifecycle, from early concept and architecture through to design, verification and production release. This is a hands‑on senior engineering role with real influence over RF design decisions, product performance and how designs are taken into manufacture.

As Principal RF Engineer, You Will Be Involved In:

  • Leading the design of RF/mmWave circuits, modules and subsystems
  • Taking technical ownership of specification, simulation, realisation and verification
  • Carrying out system line‑up analysis, tolerance/yield analysis and design‑for‑manufacture work
  • Supporting component, IC and MMIC selection
  • Working closely with mechanical, electronics, PCB layout, manufacturing and test teams
  • Leading design reviews, identifying technical risks and driving solutions
  • Supporting product introduction, fault‑finding and production readiness
  • Providing technical guidance to other engineers

Our client is looking for a Principal RF Engineer with strong RF/microwave design experience and a practical understanding of taking high‑performance RF products into production. Experience with tools such as Microwave Office, ADS, CST or EMPro would be valuable, alongside exposure to amplifiers, filters, transceivers, RF modules or wider RF subsystem design.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants senior technical ownership without being removed from the engineering. You’ll be working on real RF/mmWave hardware, close to manufacturing and test, in an environment where your design decisions directly shape the final product.

Benefits include a competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays, the option to purchase up to 5 additional holiday days, matched pension contributions up to 8%, learning and development support, paid volunteer time, employee assistance support and enhanced parental leave.

For more information, please reach out to Zac Taylor at IC Resources.

Principal RF Engineer in North East employer: IC Resources

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the RF and microwave engineering sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, they provide extensive learning and development support, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and enhanced parental leave. This role not only allows for significant technical ownership but also ensures that your contributions directly impact cutting-edge technology in a supportive and engaging environment.

IC Resources

Contact Details:

IC Resources Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal RF Engineer in North East

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 to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your RF/mmWave projects, designs, and any hands-on work you've done. This will give you an edge during interviews and help us see your practical experience in action.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of tools like Microwave Office and ADS. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your design decisions and problem-solving approaches.

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 are proactive and engaged in their job search. Let’s get you that Principal RF Engineer role!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal RF Engineer in North East

RF Design
Microwave Engineering
Circuit Design
System Line-up Analysis
Tolerance/Yield Analysis
Design-for-Manufacture
Component Selection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal RF Engineer role. Highlight your RF/microwave design experience and any relevant tools you've used, like Microwave Office or ADS. 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 engineering and how your experience aligns with our client's needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's designing RF circuits or leading a team, we want to know about your hands-on experience. This will help us understand your technical ownership and problem-solving skills.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

How to prepare for a job interview at IC Resources

Know Your RF Basics

Make sure you brush up on your RF and microwave engineering fundamentals. Understand the key concepts related to RF/mmWave circuits, modules, and subsystems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.

Showcase Your Hands-On Experience

Since this role is very hands-on, be prepared to share specific examples of your previous work. Talk about projects where you took technical ownership, especially those involving design, verification, and production release. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools

Get comfortable with tools like Microwave Office, ADS, CST, or EMPro if you haven't already. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Design Reviews

Expect to discuss your approach to design reviews and how you identify technical risks. Think of examples where you led a review or contributed significantly to one. Showing that you can drive solutions and support your team will make a strong impression.