At a Glance
- Tasks: Design cutting-edge MMICs and collaborate with top engineers in radar technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and space sectors while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF circuit design and a degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 45200 - 71900 £ per year.
Salary: Senior: £45,200 to £61,950 / Principal: £53,300 to £71,400
Your impact
At Leonardo, you won’t just be working on radar systems — you’ll be helping to define what comes next. Join a team at the forefront of phased array radar technology, where innovation, expertise and ambition come together to shape capabilities that matter. We’re seeking talented, driven and experienced Senior/Principal Microwave Engineers to become part of our growing hardware engineering community within our world‑class radar division. 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.
You will:
- 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
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.
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 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, 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.
- 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!
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Based in Edinburgh, our team of innovative engineers collaborates on cutting-edge radar technology, benefiting from generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful projects that enhance global safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Leonardo or in the radar tech field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your RF circuit design knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with GaN and GaAs technologies. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Think of examples from your past work where you overcame obstacles—this is your chance to impress us!
✨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 serious about joining our team at Leonardo!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RF circuit design and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about microwave engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your curiosity for emerging technologies – we love that!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be sure to include specific examples of your proficiency with tools like Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office. We’re keen to see your hands-on experience in RF & Microwave measurement techniques, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our awesome benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your MMIC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MMIC designs, especially using GaN and GaAs technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on circuit design elements like High Power Amplifiers and Low Noise Amplifiers.
✨Show Off Your Software Skills
Familiarise yourself with commercial software tools for RF analysis and simulation, such as Keysight ADS and AWR Microwave Office. Be prepared to explain how you've used these tools in past projects to solve complex problems.
✨Collaboration is Key
Leonardo values teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams. Highlight how you’ve integrated your MMIC designs into larger systems and the impact it had on the project.
✨Be Ready to Learn
Demonstrate your curiosity for emerging technologies and your willingness to adapt. Share instances where you've embraced new methods or tools, showing that you're not just a technical expert but also eager to grow within the role.
