Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer in Edinburgh

Salary: Senior: £45,200 to £61,950 / Principal: £53,300 to £71,400. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Based at our Edinburgh site, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, turning cutting‑edge ideas into real‑world solutions. We’re seeking talented, driven and experienced Senior/Principal Microwave Engineers to join our growing hardware engineering community within our world‑class radar division.

Responsibilities

• Create high quality and robust MMIC designs using Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor technologies.
• Perform circuit design including High Power Amplifiers, Low Noise Amplifiers, Attenuators, Phase Shifters, Switches, Oscillators, etc.
• Prepare robust manufacturing data packs and provide technical support to sub-contracts and engineering interface with external foundries.
• Ensure design reviews are planned, executed and completed successfully.
• Conduct RF on wafer and “chip on board” testing of your designs including debugging, and performance verification to ensure the requirements are met.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams – mechanical, systems, test and manufacture - to ensure seamless integration of your MMIC designs into our larger systems.
• Mentor early career engineers and contribute to technical reviews and design standards.

What you’ll bring / Qualifications

• Strong command of RF circuit design, microwave engineering, and electromagnetic theory, with the problem-solving mindset and attention to detail needed to tackle complex technical challenges.
• A curiosity for emerging technologies, enthusiasm for the defence and space sectors, and adaptability to new methods and tools.
• First or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferable) or related science (e.g. Physics).
• Proven experience (3 years +) in MMIC circuit design and a strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory.
• Proficiency in using commercial software tools for RF analysis/simulation such as Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office & CST Microwave Studio.
• Hands-on experience in RF & Microwave measurement techniques such as Vector Network Analysis, Spectrum Analysis, etc.
• Awareness of requirements management, ideally using tools such as IBM Doors.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

• We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
• Time to Recharge: generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: up to 15% employer contribution to our pension scheme.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning: free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: financial reward through our referral programme.
• Flexible working: hybrid options. Part-time opportunities can be discussed.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements during the recruitment process, please let us know.