At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and run test strategies for RF system performance in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a fast-growing engineering powerhouse focused on national security and resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic lab environment with a collaborative team in Bristol.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring cutting-edge technology performs in demanding environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF systems and a passion for hands-on testing and validation.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re building the UK’s next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments. Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 160 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.
As part of this journey, we are expanding our RF test and evaluation capability to make sure our sensing and communication systems perform as intended across our products and research projects. This function supports the design and delivery of RF and mixed-signal hardware platforms through hands‑on validation of system performance. From early hardware bring‑up through to structured product validation, test engineering helps us understand how systems actually behave and feeds that back into the design and development process.
As an RF Test Engineer, you will develop and run test strategies that validate RF system performance across the signal chain. You will work in the lab with real hardware, build automated test setups, and work closely with RF, hardware, software, and QA engineers to make sure our systems meet their performance requirements. This is a hands‑on role that sits between development and validation. A lot of the work starts with understanding how a system works and what it’s trying to achieve, before working out the right way to test it. Sometimes that’s a quick lab measurement to answer a specific question. Other times it’s a more structured test suite that needs to be repeatable across product releases.
You will play a key role in making sure our RF systems are well‑understood, properly characterised, and ready for deployment in demanding environments. While this role offers hybrid working options, it requires a minimum of 3 days per week on‑site at our Bristol HQ, with regular time in the lab and occasional travel to support integration or deployment activities. Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.
RF Test Engineer employer: rowdentech
At Rowden, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our Bristol headquarters offers a vibrant environment where employees can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in cutting-edge technology that supports national security. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on meaningful projects, we empower our team to make a real impact while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Rowden on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project showcase that highlights your RF testing experience. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to RF systems and testing. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Rowden and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace RF Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the RF Test Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match our job description, especially in RF systems and testing strategies. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:Since this role is hands-on, be sure to showcase any practical experience you have with RF systems or lab work. Mention specific projects or tools you've used that demonstrate your ability to validate system performance effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at rowdentech
✨Know Your RF Basics
Brush up on your RF principles and testing methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach validating RF system performance, as this will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work where you developed test strategies or worked with hardware in a lab setting. Highlight any automated test setups you've built, as practical experience is key for this position.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with RF, hardware, software, and QA engineers. Share how you’ve effectively communicated technical information in a team environment.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission and the importance of their technology in national security. Being able to articulate how your role as an RF Test Engineer contributes to this mission will demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
