RF Architect

RF Architect

Portsmouth Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead RF architecture for cutting-edge communication systems and collaborate with diverse teams.
  • Company: Join SII Group, a global leader in digital services and engineering, recognised as a great workplace.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and continuous professional development.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative culture that values teamwork and empowers every voice.
  • Qualifications: Experience in RF design, strong communication skills, and familiarity with simulation tools required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on exciting aerospace and defence projects with a supportive team.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

SII Group delivers Digital Services, IT, Engineering, and Consulting to diverse industries, enabling digital transformation through our commitment to Growth, People, and CSR. With over 16,000 professionals across 21 countries, we’re recognised as a “Great Place to Work” for fostering a high-trust culture. Our core values of Trust, Commitment, Accountability, Passion, Creativity, and Transparency drive our work package delivery, ensuring we meet and exceed client expectations as a committed partner. Since 2016, SII UK has supported top Aerospace & Defence, Aviation, Transportation, and Finance clients, empowering digital transformation with industry-leading engineering expertise. Let’s Tech Together is our promise to encourage innovation and teamwork. We support our engineers with development opportunities and a collaborative, inclusive environment where every voice is valued and empowered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead RF architecture definition and trade-off analysis for spaceborne or high-reliability communication systems.
  • Define system-level RF requirements, budgets, and interface control documents (ICDs).
  • Oversee RF system modelling, simulation, and link budget analysis.
  • Work closely with hardware teams on the design and verification of RF subsystems including filters, LNAs, PAs, frequency converters, and antennas.
  • Support design reviews, technical documentation, and customer engagement activities.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and project requirements, including radiation tolerance and space qualification constraints.
  • Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and interface with multidisciplinary teams including systems, digital, and mechanical design.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

  • Proven experience as an RF or Microwave Architect or Lead Engineer in aerospace, defence, or satellite communications.
  • Strong knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, noise analysis, linearity, and frequency planning.
  • Experience with RF simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, CST, HFSS, or similar.
  • Familiarity with high-frequency design (L to Ka bands), EMC/EMI considerations, and thermal constraints in space environments.
  • Hands-on experience with RF test and measurement equipment (e.g., VNAs, spectrum analysers, power meters).
  • Solid understanding of relevant standards (e.g., ECSS, MIL-STD, ITU, ESA).
  • Strong communication and documentation skills; able to convey technical concepts to stakeholders.

Desirable:

  • Background in satellite payloads or ground segment RF systems.
  • Experience with digital/RF co-design or SDR-based architectures.
  • Knowledge of FPGA interface and control in RF subsystems.
  • Experience working in international and multi-site teams.

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive Basic Salary
  • 6% Employers Contribution + 6% as a salary sacrifice
  • Private Medical Insurance, Life Cover and Income Protection
  • 25 days holiday
  • 5 days full sick pay per year
  • Flexible working
  • Cycle to Work & TechScheme
  • Continuous professional development
  • Corporate access to the Udemy platform

If you’re applying for a role requiring security clearance, please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar, however certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

RF Architect employer: SII Group UK

SII Group UK is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to fostering a high-trust culture and empowering its employees through continuous professional development. With a focus on innovation and teamwork, the company offers a collaborative environment where every voice is valued, alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and access to corporate training platforms. Located in Winchester, a vibrant city with rich history and excellent transport links, SII Group UK provides a unique opportunity for RF Architects to thrive in a dynamic industry while contributing to meaningful digital transformation projects.
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Contact Detail:

SII Group UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land RF Architect

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific RF simulation tools mentioned in the job description, such as Keysight ADS and CST. Having hands-on experience or even a project showcasing your skills with these tools can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those who work with RF systems. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at SII Group UK.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with high-frequency design and compliance with industry standards during interviews. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated challenges related to EMC/EMI considerations and thermal constraints in space environments.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams by highlighting past experiences where you collaborated with systems, digital, and mechanical design teams. This will demonstrate your versatility and alignment with SII Group UK's commitment to teamwork.

We think you need these skills to ace RF Architect

RF System Design
Link Budget Analysis
Noise Analysis
Frequency Planning
RF Simulation Tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, CST, HFSS)
High-Frequency Design (L to Ka bands)
EMC/EMI Considerations
Thermal Constraints in Space Environments
RF Test and Measurement Equipment (e.g., VNAs, Spectrum Analysers)
Understanding of ECSS, MIL-STD, ITU, ESA Standards
Technical Documentation Skills
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
Experience with Satellite Payloads or Ground Segment RF Systems
Digital/RF Co-Design Knowledge
FPGA Interface and Control in RF Subsystems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as an RF or Microwave Architect. Focus on your knowledge of RF system design, simulation tools, and any hands-on experience with RF test equipment.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for RF architecture and how your skills align with SII Group's core values. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead RF architecture definition and trade-off analysis.

Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills in RF system design, including familiarity with industry standards and simulation tools. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure you mention any experience with high-frequency design and EMC/EMI considerations.

Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, emphasise your experience in collaborative environments. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated technical concepts to stakeholders and supported junior engineers.

How to prepare for a job interview at SII Group UK

Understand RF Fundamentals

Make sure you have a solid grasp of RF system design principles, including link budgets and noise analysis. Be prepared to discuss your experience with RF simulation tools like Keysight ADS or CST, as this will likely come up during the interview.

Showcase Your Experience

Highlight your previous roles as an RF Architect or Lead Engineer, especially in aerospace or defence. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those involving high-reliability communication systems.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey ideas to stakeholders and junior engineers alike.

Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards

Brush up on relevant standards such as ECSS, MIL-STD, and ITU. Being knowledgeable about these will demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality in RF system design, which is crucial for SII Group UK.

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