Senior or Principal RF Engineer

We are looking for a talented, motivated, and experienced RF/Microwave Engineer at Senior level to join our growing hardware engineering team within a radar team in Leonardo, based in the Edinburgh office. As an RF Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of cutting-edge radio frequency systems. With a focus on ensuring optimal performance and functionality, you will contribute to the advancement of our defence technology.

In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to design, test, and troubleshoot RF systems. Your expertise in RF circuit design and analysis will be crucial in developing innovative solutions that meet the complex requirements of defence applications. Additionally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate RF components into larger systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliable performance.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of RF circuit design, microwave techniques, and electromagnetic theory. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this role. Additionally, a passion for innovation in the defence and space industry, along with the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies, will contribute to your excellence in this position.

What you’ll do as a Senior RF Engineer:

• 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.
• Work closely with the Antenna Design Authority; Receiver Design Authority; Lead Hardware Specialist while providing RF hardware support to your counterparts within the Digital hardware, Systems, Software, Firmware Engineering, Product Support and Test engineering team.
• Take ownership of a system or functional block of RF PCB assemblies and 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.
• Support the full hardware lifecycle, including: requirements capture; system conceptualisation; prototyping; detailed design; test and verification; system integration; and support in production.
• 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.
• Solve real integration problems on both current and next generation advanced systems over the entire engineering life cycle.

What we need from you:

• 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.
• Familiarity with RF measurement equipment and techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

It would be great if you have:

• Specific radar development experience in either antenna or receiver development.
• Advanced research experience/expertise to be applied in a technical study investigation.
• Concept development, defining architectures/partitioning in their domain.
• Lab prototyping to support rapid development.
• Hardware requirement specification definition.
• Experience with providing layout support, including prototyping layouts.
• Design verification testing.

Security Clearance

Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK security clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution - please note that from April 2024 this amount will increase to up to 15% employer contribution).
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers).
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera.
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
• Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid