At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in developing cutting-edge RF systems for advanced radar technology.
- Company: Leonardo UK, a leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in radar innovation while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; experience in RF circuit design required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: Senior: £45,200 to £61,950 / Principal: £53,300 to £71,400 / Lead: £59,000 to £85,000
Your Impact
At Leonardo, you’ll step into a place where breakthrough ideas become real‑world capability. Here, engineering isn’t just a job — it’s the craft of shaping the future of phased array radar technology. We have vacancies for experienced RF Engineers, at all grades, to join our world‑class radar division. Based either at our Edinburgh or Newcastle site, you’ll become part of a team whose work defines the leading edge of radar innovation. You’ll play a vital role in developing and delivering cutting‑edge radio‑frequency systems that sit at the heart of our advanced Radar products. Your expertise will help ensure these systems perform with precision, reliability, and excellence in some of the most demanding environments in the world.
Hybrid working - in this role it is possible to work from home some of the time, but the nature of the work and security requirements mean that you should expect to be mostly working on site.
What you’ll do
- This is an exciting opportunity for you, as an engineer, to bring your skillset and knowledge into our working environment. You will be involved in developing a range of multifunctional RF, PCB and Module designs, using the latest technologies available and contribute to the definition and execution of testing and integration phases of a range of radar products.
- Creating high quality and robust designs, conducting design reviews for your design, fully documenting and recording your work products, keeping them under configuration management and providing plans and progress reports.
- Produce high quality, UK manufactured RF and Microwave designs on multilayer substrates, using a mix of active and passive components, also encompassing power, control and digital functions.
- Help design and test very high performance (low phase noise) Synthesisers, wideband up- and down-converters. We use PLLs, high-speed ADCs and DACs, custom-designed parts and conventional COTS components.
- Full life-cycle design: Derive module requirements from the system design, use of simulation tools and rapid prototyping to verify the design, and support final production and testing.
- As part of the team, you’ll help support and develop placement students, graduates, and junior engineers.
- We document and review our designs thoroughly – depending on the grade, you will be involved in preparing documents for review, acting as an independent design reviewer, or chairing reviews and ensuring correct process is followed.
- Working closely with Systems, Test and Electronics engineers you will be solving real integration problems on advanced systems.
What you’ll bring
- To excel in this role, you’ll bring a strong command of RF / Microwave circuit design, paired with the problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail needed to tackle complex technical challenges. You will need to take ownership of tasks and have personal responsibility to deliver solutions, drawing on collaboration with other teams as required.
- Qualifications: 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 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 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.
- You will ideally have experience in a number of the following areas:
- RF microwave sub-system design
- RF system test and integration
- Lab measurements such as signal generation, spectrum analysis and vector network analysis
- Microwave design tools
- GaAs/GaN MMIC design and application
- Design of passive microwave structures
- Low phase noise design and measurement
- Microwave component selection
- Technical report writing
- Design reviews and lifecycle management
Personal attributes and values are just as important to us as technical ability so we are looking for engineers with a willingness to learn, progress and develop through our devoted technical career path. If you are passionate in what you do and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem-solving we would like to hear from you.
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. 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!
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
RF Engineers - All levels in Edinburgh 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Engineers - All levels 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 RF Engineers - All levels role you’re after at Leonardo.
✨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 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.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like RF Engineers - All levels at Leonardo, 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 RF Engineers - All levels in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like RF Engineers - All levels, 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 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 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
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Leonardo, 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 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.
