Lead RF Engineer

As Lead RF Engineer, you'll be the responsible engineer for all RF power systems on StandardX's high‑power accelerator platforms, from RF generation through transmission to the beam–structure interface. You’ll own RF architecture, operating margins, protection philosophy and scaling paths as systems increase in power and duty factor. This is a hands‑on, system‑level role for someone who has delivered high‑power RF accelerator systems in practice, not just on paper - with strong experience across RF power sources, transmission systems and beam‑coupled structures. You’ll work closely with accelerator physics and EC&I to ensure RF systems are correctly specified, protected, and integrated for reliable, high‑availability operation in regulated environments. You’ll be seeking ownership over supervision, spanning design, integration, commissioning, and early operation and you’ll be comfortable with startup pace and fast‑shifting scope. You bring strong system‑level engineering judgment and be trusted to lead, not just execute.

Key Objectives:

• Own the end-to-end RF system design for high‑power accelerators, from RF power sources through transmission to beam‑coupled structures.
• Define RF architecture, operating points, power margins, fault envelopes and scaling paths to higher beam power and duty factor.
• Lead RF diagnostics, protection, and integration with LLRF, controls and machine protection systems.
• Support hands‑on RF integration, conditioning, commissioning, and early operations, while leading supplier technical direction and design reviews.

Your Responsibilities:

• Architecture & Design: Own the end-to-end RF system design for high‑power accelerators, from RF power sources through transmission to beam‑coupled structures. Define RF architecture, operating points, power margins, fault envelopes, and scaling paths to higher beam power and duty factor.
• Integration & Protection: Specify and integrate RF power systems (tetrodes/SSAs), waveguides, couplers, circulators, loads and cooling interfaces. Lead design and integration of RF diagnostics and protection, including forward/reflected power, phase and amplitude stability, arc detection and fast shutdown. Interface RF systems with LLRF, controls, and machine protection systems, ensuring deterministic response and safe operation.
• Physics, Reviews & Compliance: Work closely with accelerator physics to ensure RF systems support beam quality, stability and availability. Lead RF contributions to design reviews, safety cases and regulatory submissions.
• Commissioning & Supplier Direction: Support hands‑on RF integration, conditioning, commissioning and early operations. Own RF‑related supplier technical direction, specifications and acceptance testing.

Requirements:

• 5+ years' experience delivering high‑power RF accelerator systems.
• Strong experience with RF power sources (tetrodes, IOTs, or solid‑state amplifiers).
• Hands‑on experience with RF transmission systems (waveguides, couplers, circulators, loads).
• Experience with beam‑coupled RF structures or high‑power resonant cavities.
• Practical commissioning and conditioning experience on complex RF systems.
• Solid understanding of RF protection, interlocks and fast shutdown.
• System‑level engineering judgment and strong ownership in fast‑moving environments.

Ideal Experience:

• Experience in the design of cyclotron accelerator RF cavities.
• PhD in RF engineering, accelerator physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience scaling RF systems to higher power or duty factor.
• Direct experience with accelerator RF systems and beam loading effects.
• LLRF or real‑time control experience (FPGA-based systems, digital feedback).
• Comfortable leading.
• Experience in HAZOP and safety reviews.
• Familiarity with multipacting, breakdown mitigation and high‑gradient structures.
• Exposure to machine protection systems and safety cases.

Benefits:

• Private Health Cover, with the option to add dependants.
• Life Assurance (Death in Service) at 4x salary.
• Salary sacrifice pension, with 4% employer contribution.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• EMI Share Options.