Senior or Principal RF/Microwave Engineer

Senior or Principal RF/Microwave Engineer

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and deliver high-performance RF and microwave hardware for cutting-edge radar products.
  • Company: Join a world-class radar division at Leonardo in Edinburgh.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a company-funded benefits package, flexible working, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while mentoring early-career engineers.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years of RF circuit design experience and proficiency with RF analysis tools.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

In this role you will design and deliver high‑performance RF and microwave hardware for Leonardo’s radar products, working within a world‑class radar division at Edinburgh. You will shape robust RF PCB assemblies, perform circuit design and verification, and collaborate across mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration. You will mentor early-career engineers and contribute to design reviews and standards. This is a hands‑on, impact‑driven position in a cutting‑edge, defence‑oriented environment.

Pay / Benefits

  • company‑funded benefits package
  • up to 12 flexi‑days per year
  • pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
  • mental health support and financial advice
  • free access to 4,000+ online courses
  • flexible working options and hybrid working

Responsibilities

  • Create RF PCB assemblies on multilayer substrates using active and passive components integrated with digital and embedded control circuits
  • Design RF circuits including LNAs, PAs, filters, couplers, switches, and oscillators
  • Plan and execute design reviews and ensure their successful completion
  • Prepare robust manufacturing data packs and support subcontractors; interface with manufacturing
  • Conduct laboratory testing, debugging, and performance verification to meet requirements
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (mechanical, systems, test, manufacture) for system integration
  • Mentor early career engineers and contribute to technical reviews and design standards

Key requirements

  • 3+ years of proven RF circuit design and analysis experience
  • Strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory
  • Proficiency with RF analysis/simulation tools (Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office, CST Microwave Studio)
  • Hands‑on RF Microwave measurement experience (Vector Network Analysis, Spectrum Analysis)
  • Aware of requirements management tools (e.g., IBM Doors)
  • Security clearance readiness (BPSS, with potential NSV/SC/DV)
  • Curiosity for emerging technologies
  • Problem‑solving mindset
  • Attention to detail
  • RF circuit design
  • Microwave engineering
  • Electromagnetic theory

Senior or Principal RF/Microwave Engineer employer: Leonardo DRS

Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Campaign Manager, you'll thrive in a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, supported by comprehensive benefits including an award-winning pension scheme and access to over 4,000 online courses. With flexible working options and a commitment to inclusion, Leonardo empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the defence and aerospace sector while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.

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Contact Details:

Leonardo DRS Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal RF/Microwave Engineer

RF Circuit Design
Microwave Engineering
Electromagnetic Theory
RF PCB Assembly
Circuit Design and Verification
RF Analysis/Simulation Tools (Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office, CST Microwave Studio)
Laboratory Testing and Debugging