At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop and test innovative antenna solutions for military communications.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with RF testing, electronics, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 71000 £ per year.
Salary Range: £54k - £71k
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.
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.
- 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).
- 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.
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).
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.
- 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 a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Principal RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our Bristol site provides a dynamic environment for innovation in military communications, with generous benefits including flexible working options, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Leonardo or in the RF and Antenna field. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of RF testing. Be ready to discuss your experience with test plans and data analysis, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples where you've worked with cross-functional teams. Communication is crucial in this role, so let them know you're a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Leonardo team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal RF Antenna Test Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal RF Antenna Test Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in RF testing and electronics, and don’t forget to mention any specific tools or programming languages you’ve used.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our team’s needs. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, be sure to include them in your application. Whether it's developing test scripts or working with RF equipment, real examples can make a big difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Know Your RF Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of RF principles and antenna basics. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role, especially in relation to test equipment like spectrum analysers and oscilloscopes.
✨Prepare Your Test Plans
Familiarise yourself with creating test plans and scripts, particularly in C derivatives, Python, or Visual Basic. Bring examples of your previous work to demonstrate your experience in test plan generation and data analysis.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Leonardo values collaboration across engineering functions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with teams in the past, especially in RF, Microwave, Electronics, and Mechanical areas. This will highlight your communication skills and teamwork.
✨Understand the Security Requirements
Since this role involves working with classified data, be prepared to discuss your understanding of security protocols and the importance of compliance. Familiarise yourself with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) to show you're serious about security.
