At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of advanced radar systems and mentor engineers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Plextek, a leader in engineering innovation and sustainable technology.
- Benefits: Excellent package, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team near Cambridge with great transport links and social events.
- Why this job: Shape the future of radar technology while tackling exciting engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in radar systems development with strong technical leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Plextek is a leading choice for employees and customers for exceptional engineering and strategic innovation to create better, safer, and more sustainable technologies and products.
OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS
Being a responsible business, we work with integrity and honesty.
We share success with our people and our communities.
We embrace diversity in outlook and work as a team with colleagues, customers, and suppliers to provide the best technical solution and professional service experience.
We empower each other, we’re adaptable, show initiative, and deliver on our commitments together.
THE ROLE
If you’re a recognised radar expert who still enjoys hands‑on engineering, and want to help shape the future direction of a rapidly expanding capability, we’d like to talk to you.
As a Lead Radar Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across our 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.
You will also play a key role in developing our radar capability, helping to identify new opportunities, mentor engineers and maintain Plextek’s reputation for solving technically challenging problems.
This role requires UK SC / UKEO clearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Lead the development of advanced radar and RF systems.
- Define and assess Radio Frequency architectures against (sometimes unclear) customer requirements.
- Make critical system-level trade-offs involving performance, cost, risk and implementation complexity.
- Guide multidisciplinary engineering teams through the delivery of complex projects to help drive effective execution.
- Support technical strategy and the growth of RF and radar-related capabilities.
- Develop radar system requirements and performance models.
- Conduct 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.
- Support project scoping, proposal generation and technical planning.
- Present complex technical concepts clearly to customers and stakeholders.
- Identify new opportunities arising from customer challenges and emerging technologies.
- Capability Development
- Mentor and coach engineers across radar, RF and systems disciplines.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps and research activities.
- Support recruitment and technical development within the radar team.
- Help maintain and expand Plextek’s position as a leader in advanced RF and radar solutions.
We are looking for a highly capable engineer with significant (minimum 10 years+) industrial experience in customised radar systems development.
- You should have deep expertise across a substantial proportion of the following:
- Radar Systems
- FMCW radar systems
- SAR and radar imaging systems
- Radar performance modelling and analysis
- Antenna concepts and system integration
- RF Systems Design
- RF link and level planning
- RF transceiver architecture selection
- RF Hardware Understanding
- RF and microwave circuit design
- Distributed microwave techniques
- Millimetre-wave systems
- High-performance frequency synthesisers
- Analogue electronics relevant to RF electronics
- Requirements capture and analysis
- Verification and validation planning
- Technical leadership of multidisciplinary teams
- Project definition and technical scoping
- Technology and capability development
The ideal candidate will be
- Technically exceptional and recognised by peers as an authority in radar systems.
- Curious, proactive and motivated by difficult engineering challenges.
- Comfortable operating with significant autonomy.
- Commercially aware and able to engage directly with customers.
- A natural mentor who enjoys developing less experienced engineers.
- Excited by building capability and shaping the future direction of a growing business.
- THE REWARDS
We offer an excellent package, a stimulating environment, and a real interest in your development to encourage you to achieve your full potential.
We are a versatile business, able to support career progression as appropriate.
We are based just south of Cambridge with easy road and rail routes to the city centre.
We provide a friendly and supportive working environment, including regular on‑site and off‑site social events.
Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Great Chesterford employer: Plextek
Plextek is an exceptional employer that prioritises integrity, diversity, and employee empowerment, making it a fantastic place for a Marketing Executive to thrive. Located in Great Chesterford, Essex, the company offers a hybrid working model, fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on creating sustainable technologies, Plextek provides meaningful opportunities for employees to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Radar Systems Engineer in Great Chesterford
✨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 Plextek.
✨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 Plextek 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 Plextek.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead Radar Systems Engineer at Plextek, 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 Great Chesterford
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 Plextek 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 Plextek 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 Plextek
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Plextek, 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 Plextek 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.
