Lead RF Engineer

Lead RF Engineer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex RF programmes in aerospace, defence, and space projects with hands-on engineering.
  • Company: Advanced engineering organisation focused on cutting-edge aerospace and defence technologies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and strong career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in mission-critical environments.
  • Why this job: Influence design direction and mentor engineers while tackling technically challenging projects.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Electronic Engineering with extensive RF experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Lead technically complex RF programmes across aerospace, defence and space projects, combining hands‑on engineering with real leadership influence.

An advanced engineering organisation working on cutting‑edge aerospace, defence, and space platforms is seeking an experienced RF Engineering Lead to join its growing Engineering function. The team designs and delivers high‑performance RF and microwave systems used in mission‑critical environments where reliability, innovation, and engineering rigour are essential. This role sits at the heart of complex product development programmes, taking ownership of RF system architecture, detailed design, and delivery across the full lifecycle — from concept and bid support through to production and in‑service support.

This position is ideal for an experienced senior or principal RF engineer who enjoys technical leadership as much as hands‑on problem solving. You'll suit this role if you like influencing design direction, mentoring engineers, and acting as a technical authority while still staying close to the engineering detail. If you are motivated by technically challenging projects, long‑term product development, and seeing your designs move into real‑world, safety‑critical applications, this role offers both depth and progression.

Benefits of the Role

  • Senior technical leadership position with genuine design authority
  • Work on complex RF, microwave, radar, telemetry, and communications systems
  • Involvement across the full product lifecycle (concept to production)
  • Leadership and line‑management responsibility within a specialist RF team
  • Exposure to high‑reliability, regulated engineering environments
  • Opportunity to influence engineering strategy, tools, and best practice
  • Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience)
  • Flexible working arrangements (subject to project requirements)
  • Strong long‑term career development within advanced engineering programmes

Requirements for Application

  • Eligibility for full security clearance is essential
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline
  • Extensive experience in RF and microwave engineering, including:
    • RF circuit and subsystem design
    • System architecture definition, cascade analysis, and link budgets
    • Integration and verification of RF systems
    • Proven delivery of RF projects within aerospace, defence, space, or other high‑reliability sectors
    • Strong hands‑on experience with RF simulation and analysis tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, MATLAB
    • Practical laboratory experience using RF test equipment (e.g. VNAs, spectrum analysers)
    • Experience leading technical teams and managing engineering activities
    • Familiarity with structured product development lifecycles and regulated standards

Beneficial for Application

  • Experience acting as technical authority at design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR)
  • Background in radar, satellite communications, or telemetry systems
  • Experience supporting NPI and transition from design to manufacture
  • Involvement in bid, proposal, or customer‑facing technical activities
  • Strong mentoring, coaching, and performance management capability
  • Passion for continuous improvement in RF design methods and tools

This position is fully compliant with equal opportunity employment laws. Gender, race, religion, and other protected characteristics are considered without discrimination.

Lead RF Engineer employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Join a pioneering engineering organisation that champions innovation and excellence in aerospace, defence, and space projects. As a Lead RF Engineer, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises technical leadership and employee growth, offering flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary package. This role not only allows you to influence cutting-edge designs but also provides opportunities for long-term career development within a high-reliability environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about impactful engineering.

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Contact Details:

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead RF Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that RF Engineering Lead role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to RF systems and being ready to showcase your hands-on experience. Show them you’re the go-to person for complex engineering challenges!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to highlight your mentoring and coaching abilities during interviews. We want to see how you can influence and lead a team while still getting into the nitty-gritty of RF design. It’s all about showing you can balance both sides!

Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job in aerospace, defence, or space!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead RF Engineer

RF Engineering
Microwave Engineering
RF Circuit Design
System Architecture Definition
Cascade Analysis
Link Budgets
Integration and Verification of RF Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your extensive experience in RF and microwave engineering. We want to see how you've tackled complex projects in aerospace, defence, or space, so don’t hold back on the details!

Be Specific About Your Skills:Mention the specific RF simulation and analysis tools you’ve used, like ADS or MATLAB. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with RF test equipment, so include that too!

Leadership Matters:Since this role involves technical leadership, share examples of how you've led teams or influenced design direction. We’re looking for someone who can mentor others while staying close to the engineering detail.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Know Your RF Fundamentals

Brush up on your RF and microwave engineering principles. Be ready to discuss circuit design, system architecture, and link budgets in detail. This will show your technical depth and help you connect with the interviewers who are looking for someone with hands-on experience.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led technical teams or influenced design decisions in past projects. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've supported junior engineers. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to guide others will be key.

Familiarise Yourself with Their Projects

Research the company's current and past RF programmes, especially in aerospace and defence. Understanding their specific challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their work.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect in-depth technical questions related to RF simulation tools and practical lab experiences. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with tools like ADS, AWR, and MATLAB, as well as any hands-on experiences with RF test equipment. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role's technical demands.