At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in developing cutting-edge radar technology and RF systems for defence solutions.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Generous leave, award-winning pension, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced defence technology while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 5+ years of RF design experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
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, 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 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
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior or Principal RF 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. Our Edinburgh site is not only a hub for cutting-edge radar technology but also provides generous benefits such as flexible working options, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact the future of defence and aerospace innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal RF Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Leonardo on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your RF circuit design knowledge and microwave engineering skills. We want to see your problem-solving mindset in action, so think of examples where you've tackled complex challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for defence and space sectors during interviews. Share your curiosity about emerging technologies and how they can impact radar systems. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested!
✨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 RF Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the RF Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in RF circuit design and microwave engineering, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about radar technology and the defence sector. Share specific examples of how your problem-solving mindset has helped you tackle complex challenges in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with commercial software tools for RF analysis and simulation. This is key for us, so make it stand out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your RF Basics
Brush up on your RF circuit design and microwave engineering fundamentals. Be ready to discuss electromagnetic theory and how it applies to real-world scenarios, especially in defence technology. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex technical challenges you've tackled in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Make sure you're comfortable discussing commercial software tools like ADS, AWR, and CST. If you have experience using these tools, be prepared to share specific projects where they played a crucial role in your designs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
As this role involves supervising junior engineers, think about how you've led teams or projects in the past. Share your approach to mentoring and collaboration, and how you ensure successful design reviews and project outcomes.
