At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of RF systems and guide multidisciplinary teams in innovative projects.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge defence and aerospace engineering firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security by developing advanced RF technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong RF systems engineering experience and excellent communication skills.
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.
As a Lead RF Systems Engineer, you will provide 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:
- 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:
- 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.
Radio System 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 multidisciplinary teams and influence cutting-edge RF system developments. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that our team members are well-supported in their pursuit of meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Radio System Engineer in Chelmsford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the RF systems engineering field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with RF system architectures and your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex problems and delivered innovative solutions. This is your time to shine!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework! Understand the company’s projects and challenges in defence and aerospace. Tailor your discussions to show how your background in radar and electronic warfare aligns with their needs. This shows you're not just another candidate; you’re the right fit!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only streamlines your application but also gives you a better chance to stand out. We’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our collaborative team!
We think you need these skills to ace Radio System Engineer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the RF Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in RF systems engineering, especially in radar and electronic warfare, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about RF systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our collaborative culture. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love seeing technical expertise! Be sure to detail your experience with RF system architectures, trade-off studies, and any tools you've used like DOORS or SysML. This will help us understand your capabilities right off the bat.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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
Since the role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully guided a team through complex projects. Highlight your ability to influence innovation and make technical decisions that have led to successful outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this position. 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 communication style.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've taken early-stage concepts through to demonstrators or prototypes. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will show your capability in driving continuous improvement and innovation.
