Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Cambridge

Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 80000 £ / year Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of advanced radar systems and guide multidisciplinary teams.
  • Company: Respected technology consultancy solving challenging problems in defence, security, and space.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% pension contribution, private medical insurance, and life assurance.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of radar technology while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in radar systems development with strong leadership and RF expertise.

Location: South of Cambridge, hybrid

Salary: £70k to £90k, depending on background and experience, plus benefits

Industry: Radar and RF Systems Engineering Consultancy

Our client is a respected technology and engineering consultancy, known for solving technically challenging problems for customers across defence, security, space and other sectors. They are looking for a recognised radar expert who still enjoys hands-on engineering, to help shape the future direction of a rapidly expanding radar capability.

As Lead Radar Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across radar activities, supporting customer delivery, capability development and business growth. You will lead the technical definition of advanced radar systems and RF architectures from concept through to demonstration and deployment, working closely with multidisciplinary teams spanning RF, electronics, signal processing, software and systems engineering.

UKSC / UKEO is essential. Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain NATO Secret and UK DV clearance. Existing NATO Secret and/or UK DV clearance would be highly desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of advanced radar and RF systems
  • Define and assess RF architectures against customer requirements, which may at times be unclear
  • Make critical system level trade-offs involving performance, cost, risk and implementation complexity
  • Guide multidisciplinary teams through the delivery of complex projects
  • Develop radar system requirements and performance models
  • Carry out system level analysis and architecture selection
  • Evaluate radar performance trade-offs including detection range, resolution, sensitivity and clutter performance
  • Act as a trusted technical authority for customers, presenting complex concepts clearly to customers and stakeholders
  • Support project scoping, proposal generation and technical planning
  • Identify new opportunities arising from customer challenges and emerging technologies
  • Mentor and coach engineers across radar, RF and systems disciplines
  • Contribute to technology roadmaps and research activities, and support recruitment and technical development within the radar team

Essential skills and experience

  • Significant industrial experience (minimum 10 years) in customised radar systems development
  • Deep expertise across a substantial proportion of: pulse radar, FMCW radar, SAR and radar imaging systems, radar performance modelling and architecture development, antenna concepts and system integration
  • RF systems design experience, including radio propagation, RF link and level planning, synthesiser design and transceiver architecture selection
  • Strong RF hardware understanding, covering RF and microwave circuit design, distributed microwave techniques, millimetre wave systems, high performance frequency synthesizers and relevant analogue electronics
  • Systems engineering experience, including requirements capture and analysis, verification and validation planning, project definition and technical scoping
  • Proven technical leadership of multidisciplinary teams
  • Recognised by peers as an authority in radar systems
  • Commercially aware, comfortable operating with autonomy and engaging directly with customers
  • A natural mentor who enjoys developing less experienced engineers

Benefits

  • Employer pension contribution of 10%
  • Car lease scheme available
  • Private medical insurance paid
  • Life assurance at 6x salary

Working arrangements and start date

  • Hybrid working: 2 days working remotely and 3 days onsite
  • Start date as soon as possible

Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Cambridge employer: Platform Recruitment

As a leading employer in the graphics and engineering computing sector, we offer an innovative work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead impactful projects, making this role not just a job, but a pathway to a rewarding career. Located in a vibrant tech hub, our team enjoys a dynamic environment with access to cutting-edge resources and a supportive community.

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Contact Details:

Platform Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Cambridge

✨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 Lead Radar Systems Engineer role you’re after at Platform Recruitment.

✨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 Platform Recruitment 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 Platform Recruitment.

✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Lead Radar Systems Engineer at Platform Recruitment, 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 Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Cambridge

Radar Systems Development
RF Architecture Definition
System Level Trade-Off Analysis
Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
Radar Performance Modelling
System Level Analysis
Customer Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Radar Systems Engineer, 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 Platform Recruitment 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 Platform Recruitment 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 Platform Recruitment

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Platform Recruitment, 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 Platform Recruitment 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.