At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of advanced RF systems and guide multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Pioneering defence and aerospace company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape cutting-edge technologies that impact national security and defence.
- Qualifications: Strong RF systems engineering experience and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Operating at the forefront of defence, aerospace, and national security engineering, delivering advanced sensing and effects capabilities into highly demanding environments. Engineering teams work across concept development, applied R&D, and advanced demonstrators, translating complex RF technologies into deployable systems used by government and defence customers.
The culture is highly collaborative and technically rigorous, bringing together specialists across RF, signal processing, electronics, firmware, and software to develop integrated system‑level solutions. Engineers are trusted to lead technical direction, influence innovation, and engage directly with customers and stakeholders.
The role involves providing technical leadership across the development of RF systems, operating at system level from early‑stage research through to advanced demonstrators and prototype capability. This role is well suited to a senior engineer who enjoys shaping architectures, making trade‑offs, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex RF‑based solutions.
You’ll lead the development of RF system architectures, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk, while guiding teams working across antennas, RF front‑ends, signal processing, electronics, firmware, and software. The role sits at the centre of technical decision‑making, requiring strong systems thinking and the ability to translate abstract concepts into testable, demonstrable capability.
You will represent technical solutions to customers and internal stakeholders, providing briefings, justifications, and system roadmaps. Alongside delivery, you’ll support early‑stage innovation, feasibility studies, and proof‑of‑principle work, while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement across the team.
Hybrid working is supported, balanced with time on‑site to enable effective collaboration and system integration.
Your background includes:
- Strong experience in RF systems engineering, ideally within radar, electronic warfare, or related sensing domains
- Proven capability developing RF system architectures, including trade‑off studies and performance modelling
- Deep understanding of RF subsystems, including antennas, front‑end electronics, signal processing chains, and integration
- Experience taking early‑stage concepts through to demonstrators, prototypes, or operationally relevant systems
- Comfortable leading multi‑disciplinary technical teams or acting as a technical authority
- Strong communication skills, with experience presenting complex technical solutions to customers and stakeholders
- Ability to work effectively across engineering, programme, and management interfaces
Desired qualifications include:
- Knowledge of electromagnetics, RF, and digital signal processing (DSP)
- Experience with radar and/or electronic warfare techniques and threat‑driven environments
- Exposure to system‑level testing and validation of RF systems
- Familiarity with defence or systems engineering frameworks and tools (e.g. DOORS, SysML, enterprise architectures)
- Background working within R&D or advanced demonstrator programmes
All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Communications Systems Engineer in Chelmsford employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
As a leading employer in the defence and aerospace sector, we offer a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and collaboration is key. Our culture fosters technical excellence and provides ample opportunities for professional growth, allowing engineers to lead cutting-edge projects that directly impact national security. With hybrid working options and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower our team members to excel while making meaningful contributions to advanced RF systems engineering.
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Systems Engineer in Chelmsford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with RF systems engineering and any cool projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to the table and solve real-world problems!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do a bit of homework before interviews. Understand their projects and challenges, and think about how your skills can help. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested and have done their research!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make an impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Systems Engineer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in RF systems engineering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects and achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Leadership:As a Lead RF Systems Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've influenced technical direction and engaged with stakeholders in your previous roles. We love seeing that collaborative spirit!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as this reflects your communication skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can present technical solutions effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your RF Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF systems engineering, especially in radar and electronic warfare. Be prepared to discuss your experience with RF system architectures and how you've tackled trade-off studies and performance modelling in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead RF Systems Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've guided teams through complex projects, and be ready to explain how you influenced technical direction and innovation.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical solutions in simple terms, as you’ll need to present these ideas to customers and stakeholders. Consider preparing a brief presentation or two to showcase your ability to convey information effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Decision-Making Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your systems thinking and decision-making abilities. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk. Think about how you would approach these challenges and be ready to discuss your thought process.
