At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative RF engineering projects and develop cutting-edge radar technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in defence technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Access to 4,000+ online courses and a bonus scheme for rewarding performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence tech while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in RF circuit design and a degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 45200 - 61950 £ per year.
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.
Your Impact: Join us at Leonardo and become part of a team shaping the next generation of radar technology. We’re looking for talented, driven, and experienced RF/Microwave Engineers to join our expanding hardware engineering community within our world‑class radar division, based at our Edinburgh site. As an RF Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and delivering cutting‑edge radio‑frequency systems that sit at the heart of our advanced defence solutions. Your expertise will help ensure these systems perform with precision, reliability, and excellence in some of the most demanding environments in the world.
What you’ll bring: To excel in this role, you’ll bring a strong command of RF circuit design, microwave engineering, and electromagnetic theory, paired 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 will also help you thrive as part of our team.
- Lead a series of applied research work‑packages and feasibility studies, document and report on their findings, and provide RF architectural recommendations to support the creation of a digital antenna concept for our next generation surveillance radar system.
- Create high quality and robust designs; fully document and record your work products, keep them under configuration management and provide plans and progress reports; and conduct design reviews within the design review framework.
- Supervise junior responsible engineers from within your system or functional block of RF assemblies.
- Ensure design reviews are planned, executed and completed successfully.
- Prepare robust manufacturing data packs and provide technical support to sub‑contracts and engineering interface with manufacturing.
Qualifications: first or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferable) or related science (e.g. Physics). Proven experience (5 years +) in RF circuit design and analysis and a strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory. Proficiency in using commercial software tools for RF analysis/simulation and schematic capture such as ADS, AWR, CST.
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: At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- 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 - Edinburgh Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal RF Engineer in Edinburgh
✨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 Senior or Principal RF Engineer role you’re after at Leonardo UK Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Leonardo UK Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨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
When you spot a role like Senior or Principal RF Engineer at Leonardo UK Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal RF Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior or Principal RF 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.
