Engineer, Digital Design Engineering

RF Design Engineer in Southampton (SO14) - Permanent

£60,000 - £90,000 per annum + Pension & SC/DV Bonus

The Opportunity

This organisation is a trusted engineering partner delivering advanced technology solutions across national security, defence, and adjacent high-assurance domains. Working closely with end customers, teams tackle complex, real-world challenges where performance, reliability, and innovation genuinely matter. Projects are deliberately varied, rapidly prototyping novel technical approaches, or enhancing, evolving, and hardening existing solutions for deployment in demanding environments. As a result, this role suits engineers who enjoy applying their expertise across different problem spaces, technologies, and project phases.

The Role

We're seeking an experienced and motivated RF Design Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge RF and analogue electronics for defence-focused and electromagnetic systems. This role blends hands-on technical delivery with opportunities to influence projects, support technical leadership, and mentor others within the team.

What You'll Do

• Design, simulate, and implement RF and analogue electronic circuits and systems for defence-related applications, including areas such as electromagnetic systems, resilient positioning and timing, and survivability.
• Integrate, test, troubleshoot, and debug RF and analogue electronics to optimise performance characteristics such as impedance matching, VSWR, bandwidth, and stability.
• Participate in design reviews, providing constructive technical challenge and input to improve solutions.
• Produce and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and compliance evidence.
• Support the Technical Lead, contributing to activities such as risk management and technical input to customer discussions.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, supporting professional development across the team.
• Collaborate proactively with stakeholders across engineering disciplines and project delivery functions.
• Work in line with established engineering, quality, and development processes.

Technical & Leadership Expectations

We're looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Clear, confident technical communication and organisation.
• An ability to foster industry standards, best practices, and safety compliance within agile delivery environments.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders, including technical specialists and non-technical audiences.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adapting to project needs.

Project & Delivery Focus

You will:

• Deliver engineering activities on time, on budget, and to defined quality standards.
• Provide accurate estimates of effort and complexity, identifying technical risks early.
• Support the definition and achievement of project goals and milestones.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and Design Authorities to translate requirements into actionable engineering tasks.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Contribute to a positive, high-performance engineering culture. Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, tools, and ways of working. Proactively propose and implement improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.

Desirable Technical Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• RF and microwave design from LF through to X-band.
• Design of low-noise amplifiers, receivers, and high-power amplifiers.
• Use of RF simulation and modelling tools (e.g. Microwave Office).
• PCB design using professional CAD tools (e.g. Altium).
• Designing solutions with very low SWaP-C constraints.
• RF design for harsh or constrained environments (EMC, vibration, thermal).
• Transitioning hardware from development into production and qualification.
• Hands-on use of RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, vector analysers, signal generators, power meters, and related instrumentation.

Qualifications & Security

Degree-qualified in Electronics Engineering (or equivalent practical experience). Relevant experience in RF or analogue electronic design. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible and willing to undergo UK security clearance.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.