At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team delivering innovative antenna solutions and support testing and development.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on military communications equipment.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make an impact in cutting-edge technology while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with RF test equipment, test plan writing, and programming in C, Python, or Visual Basic.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 43000 £ per year.
Are you interested in being part of a team delivering excellent innovative Antenna solutions? We have a fantastic opportunity for an Antenna / RF Test Engineer to join our Bristol Site Antennas team. You will be joining a welcoming and inclusive team of engineers, as part of the Antenna Core Delivery Team (CDT) working on a range of projects supporting the development and delivery of military communications equipment for a broad spectrum of applications and environments.
As a Test Engineer your role will be to help support the production testing and development of antenna-based solutions for Leonardo, ranging from development of jigs and fixtures to test script and plan generation in preparation for hands‑on product testing and data analysis.
What you will do
- Working with project teams to agree test plans and strategies.
- Planning and scheduling testing activities to ensure project requirements are satisfied.
- Setting up test equipment (e.g. power supplies, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes, network analysers) and following test plans to take measurements with this equipment.
- Support to general lab management tasks, including creating and maintaining the lab risk assessments and checking ESD equipment.
- Undertake testing within and supporting use of the on‑site screened room and near field chambers.
- Supporting test equipment calibration and record keeping.
- Development of test jigs and fixtures for products under test.
- Data analysis of test results and report writing.
- Generation of test plans and test scripts.
What you will bring – Required
- Experience of working in screened rooms / near field chambers (preferably AESA testing experience).
- An understanding of general electronics and RF based test equipment and how to use them to take measurements.
- Test plan and report writing experience.
- Test script generation in C derivatives, Python and Visual Basic.
- Test data processing & analysis.
- An understanding of measurement error budgets and techniques to quantify and reduce error margins.
- An understanding of electronics design, antenna basics and safe ways of working with ESD.
- A collaborator with proven communication skills across engineering functions (RF, Microwave, Electronics and Mechanical).
What you will bring – Desirable
- Experience of developing tools to automate measurements (e.g. LabView or other scripted methods).
- Experience of designing prototype electronic circuit boards and test cables.
- Experience of fault-finding test setups and simple circuit boards.
- Experience with 3D CAD modelling and 3D printing.
- MATLAB experience.
- AESA testing experience.
- EMC testing experience.
- An understanding of working with classified data/material.
- Willingness to travel within the UK or internationally as required.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Benefits
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Primary Location: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo UK Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Basildon where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from generous leave, flexible benefits, and opportunities to advance your career while working on cutting-edge defence technologies that make a real impact globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol
✨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 Antenna Test Engineer role you’re after at Leonardo UK Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
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✨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 Leonardo UK Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like RF Antenna Test Engineer, 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 Leonardo UK Ltd 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 Leonardo UK Ltd 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 Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Leonardo UK Ltd, 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 Leonardo UK Ltd 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.
