Principal RF Engineer in Eastleigh

Principal RF Engineer in Eastleigh

Eastleigh Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop RF electronics for innovative airborne communication systems.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in cutting-edge technology while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronics Engineering or related field; RF design experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

We are excited to be recruiting for an experienced Engineer with microwave engineering knowledge, familiar with working on complex electronic (ideally RF-based) sensor systems. The role can be based in either Southampton or Bristol and will focus on the electronics design of the RF and control subsystems; to be implemented on laboratory and aircraft concept demonstrators. You will provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle including design implementation, integration and test, system trials and product delivery. You will be part of the Leonardo Airborne Communications product development group within the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business; interacting with partner organisations / sub-contractors and potential customers.

Your Impact:

  • You will be responsible for delivery of work packages focused on analogue and RF electronics, covering the inter vehicle data link design, system test and integration.
  • Modelling of proposed architectures to determine the optimal solution.
  • Simulation of RF design.
  • Documentation of design including configuration management within Teamcenter.
  • Support laboratory hardware demonstrator development and test.

What we are looking for:

  • Practical hands on experience of RF design of circuitry, ideally between DC and 30 GHz, but if you don’t have experience over this whole range then we’d still be interested to hear from you.
  • Experience of working with PCB layout personnel in an advisory capacity.
  • Hands on experience of using RF test and measurement equipment to develop and debug RF circuitry.
  • Ability to use RF and system modelling and simulation tools.
  • Ability to produce concise technical reports detailing design solutions and implementation.
  • Ability to understand and follow the business practices, such as design reviews, which come with working in a high technology defence environment.
  • Degree in relevant engineering or related scientific discipline (Electronics Engineering preferred).
  • As part of an electromechanical project, be willing to work closely with the mechanical team members to create a solution which addresses all design requirements.

It would be nice if you had:

  • Knowledge / experience of digital or mixed signal design.
  • Experience in system level and sub-system integration and debug.
  • Experience of working in the defence electronics sector.
  • Chartered Engineer status, or a member of a professional engineering institution.

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).

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.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.

Principal RF Engineer in Eastleigh employer: Leonardo

Leonardo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and inclusion, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive mental health support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company fosters growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member can develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive environment.

Leonardo

Contact Details:

Leonardo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal RF Engineer in Eastleigh

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo for a Principal RF Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal RF Engineer in Eastleigh

Microwave Engineering
RF Design
Analogue Electronics
PCB Layout Collaboration
RF Test and Measurement
RF Modelling and Simulation Tools
Technical Report Writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.