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- Tasks: Lead the design of advanced RF systems for defence and aerospace applications.
- Company: Specialist engineering company with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 9-day fortnight, 25 days holiday, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in a high-stakes sector and mentor talented engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering and strong RF/microwave engineering experience.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and relocation support available.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ per year.
Overview
We’re supporting a specialist engineering company in their search for an experienced RF Engineering Lead to guide the development of cutting-edge RF and microwave systems for defence, aerospace, and space applications. Based in Milton Keynes, this is a hands-on technical leadership role within a team that designs and delivers advanced radar and telecoms solutions.
As RF Engineering Lead, you’ll combine in-depth RF design expertise with team leadership and project coordination. You’ll be responsible for defining architectures, overseeing technical delivery, and coaching a talented group of engineers through all phases of development – from concept through to production.
This role is ideal for a senior-level engineer or technical leader ready to drive complex programmes in a high-stakes sector.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of advanced RF circuits and subsystems aligned to product and customer requirements.
- Define RF system architectures, link budgets, and cascade analyses for radar, telemetry, and communications.
- Guide and perform simulations using ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, and MATLAB.
- Approve technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality and manufacturing standards.
- Represent the RF discipline in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and cross-functional project meetings.
- Ensure RF designs are optimised for cost, reliability, and environmental conditions (e.g. EMC, thermal, vibration).
- Line-manage RF engineers and technicians – including mentoring, development, and performance support.
- Engage with customers early in the project lifecycle to scope technical needs and constraints.
- Contribute to proposals, estimates, and technical risk assessments.
- Foster technical collaboration and drive continuous improvement within the team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering or related discipline.
- Strong foundation in RF/microwave engineering, circuit design, and system integration.
- Significant hands-on experience with RF simulation, prototyping, and testing.
- Familiarity with tools such as ADS, CST, HFSS, MATLAB, and Altium.
- Experience leading technical teams or mentoring junior engineers.
- Understanding of the full product development lifecycle, ideally in the defence/space sectors.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence both technically and strategically.
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance is required.
Benefits
- Hybrid working and a 9-day fortnight (every other Friday off)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy up to 5 more)
- Private medical cover, health cash plan, and life assurance (4x salary)
- Access to employee wellbeing and discount platforms
- Structured development and training opportunities
- Salary up to £100,000 depending on experience
- Relocation support available if moving to the area
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Industries
- Telecommunications and Defense and Space Manufacturing
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RF Engineering Lead employer: IC Resources
Contact Detail:
IC Resources Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Engineering Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the RF engineering field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best RF design projects and simulations. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in tools like ADS and MATLAB. When you land that interview, having tangible examples will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of RF system architectures and design reviews. Be ready to discuss your experience leading teams and mentoring engineers. We want to see how you can guide projects from concept to production!
✨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 engage directly with us. Let’s get you into that RF Engineering Lead role!
We think you need these skills to ace RF Engineering Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the RF Engineering Lead role. Highlight your experience with RF design, team leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align 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 background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your experience with tools like ADS and MATLAB.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership role, be sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and mentoring engineers. We love to see examples of how you've guided projects from concept to production, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at IC Resources
✨Know Your RF Basics
Brush up on your RF and microwave engineering fundamentals. Be ready to discuss key concepts like circuit design, system integration, and link budgets. This will show that you have a solid foundation and can lead the team effectively.
✨Familiarise with Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with the simulation tools mentioned in the job description, such as ADS, CST, and MATLAB. If possible, prepare to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools to solve complex problems.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led technical teams or mentored junior engineers. Highlight your approach to coaching and how you've fostered collaboration within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Think about potential challenges in RF design for defence and aerospace applications. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with customers to scope their needs and how you would ensure compliance with quality standards throughout the development lifecycle.