At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge antenna solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Steatite, a leader in advanced technology solutions with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, EV salary sacrifice, and profit-sharing schemes.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Herefordshire with relocation support available for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in RF engineering while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in RF, Microwave, or related field; strong experience in antenna engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC). Please review our Security Clearance Guidance for Applicants before applying.
About Us
At Steatite, we design, manufacture, and supply advanced technology solutions — from industrial embedded computing and custom lithium battery packs to secure communications, antennas, and imaging systems. Our innovations operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments. From the ocean floor to the edge of space, Steatite technology ensures critical systems perform reliably, consistently, and safely — 24/7. Whether enabling scientific discovery in extreme conditions, transmitting high‑bandwidth data across challenging terrain, processing vast volumes of traffic data, or supporting secure transactions on the move, our solutions are built to perform when it matters most. From day one, you will be part of an organisation that prioritises your safety and wellbeing, values your contribution, and is committed to making your career both rewarding and impactful. Looking for more than just your next role? Join us in the beautiful rolling hills of Herefordshire, where you can combine an exciting career with an exceptional quality of life. We welcome applications from across the UK, and relocation support is available for eligible candidates, subject to individual circumstances and business requirements.
The Role
The Principal Antenna Engineer is a senior technical leadership role, combining deep expertise in RF and antenna engineering with delegated managerial responsibilities. The role involves the development of new products, advanced technical solutions, and improved engineering processes that support the strategic goals of the business. You will own, manage and direct customer technical queries. When deputising for the Chief RF Engineer, the role holder is responsible for ensuring that all RF and antenna products are designed and manufactured to be safe, robust, and reliable, meeting both internal engineering standards and customer requirements. You will act as the deputy design authority for all RF and antenna‑related products, including oversight of testing, verification, and compliance activities. You will be involved in mentoring and developing junior engineers, fostering technical excellence across the team while maintaining awareness of emerging technologies and lead innovation initiatives. You will deputise in representing the engineering function in reporting and communication with key internal and external stakeholders. You will design and develop cutting edge antenna designs, lead customer queries and support the Chief RF Engineer in delivering project and product excellence, innovation and process management alongside the mentoring of junior engineers. You will use CST Microwave Studio and associated EM tools alongside Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Project Operations/Planner) to support CRM and ERP activity, scheduling, governance and dashboard reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and Development
- Support design, development, and optimisation of antenna solutions across relevant frequency bands and applications.
- Conduct and support EM modelling, simulation, and analysis to sustain robust, high‑performance antenna designs.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, and state‑of‑the‑art methods, supporting innovation across the team.
- Support expert technical input to complex engineering decisions, design reviews, and studies.
- Leading Customer Queries
- Lead and coordinate the response to customer technical queries, ensuring answers are accurate, timely, commercially aware, and aligned with business priorities.
- Provide authoritative RF and antenna engineering input to customers, supporting proposal discussions, technical reviews, issue resolution, and product selection activities.
- Translate complex technical information into clear, customer‑facing explanations, reports, and recommendations that build confidence and support decision‑making.
- Work closely with commercial, project, and engineering teams to ensure customer commitments are technically sound, achievable, and clearly communicated.
- Support in escalating, prioritising, and managing complex or high‑risk customer queries, ensuring appropriate technical governance and scheduling.
- Deputising for the Chief RF Engineer
- Act as the delegated design authority for all RF and antenna‑related products when the Chief RF Engineer is unavailable.
- Ensure that products meet engineering specifications, safety requirements, environmental constraints, and customer performance expectations.
- Represent the RF engineering function in internal and external technical reviews, customer meetings, audits, and reporting sessions.
- Ensure engineering governance, documentation standards, and configuration control are maintained to a high standard.
- Test and Verification
- Plan, perform, and document antenna testing including S‑parameters, efficiency, gain and radiation patterns.
- Generate prototypes and test fixtures, and ensure results correlate with simulations and design predictions.
- Support qualification and validation testing to ensure compliance with performance, environmental, and safety requirements.
- Assist with troubleshooting design, test, or manufacturing issues affecting antenna behaviour.
- Product Assurance and Compliance
- Support verification, validation, and qualification testing for RF and antenna systems, ensuring tests are properly planned, executed, and documented.
- Ensure manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and final product builds meet reliability and robustness requirements.
- Work with quality and compliance teams to ensure documentation, processes, and product records are completed to the required standard.
- Support the resolution of technical issues during prototyping, integration, and production phases.
- Collaborate with compliance and quality teams to ensure regulatory, safety, and certification requirements are met.
- Process & Continuous Improvement
- Support the development and refinement of engineering processes, tools, and best practices to improve efficiency, repeatability, and design quality.
- Support continuous improvement in modelling, test, and manufacturing workflows for RF and antenna systems.
- Support the evaluation and introduction of new materials, techniques, or technologies that enhance product capability or manufacturability.
- Support team capability growth by helping identify development needs and contributing to internal training.
- Mentoring & Team Development
- Mentor, coach, and guide junior, mid‑level and senior engineers, supporting skills development and technical growth.
- Provide oversight and feedback on engineering work packages, reports, modelling, and test outputs.
- Contribute to team capability planning, identifying training needs and supporting recruitment activities when required.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with commercial, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, quality, operations, supply chain and project teams to ensure integrated, holistic product designs.
- Support bids, proposals, and technical documentation for new business opportunities.
- Liaise with suppliers, partners, and manufacturing teams to ensure RF/antenna requirements are correctly implemented.
Key Skills & Experience
- Degree‑qualified in RF, Microwave, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Significant industrial experience in RF and antenna engineering, with a strong track record of delivering products or technical solutions from concept through to test and verification.
- Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory, antenna principles, transmission lines, impedance matching, and RF measurement techniques.
- Practical experience using CST Microwave Studio or equivalent EM simulation tools for antenna modelling, optimisation, and analysis.
- Hands‑on experience of antenna and RF test and verification activities, including use of VNAs and antenna or chamber‑based measurements.
- Experience of producing clear technical documentation, reports, and design records to support reviews, verification, and product lifecycle governance.
- Proven ability to respond to complex technical queries and communicate clearly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Experience working across cross‑functional engineering teams, including mechanical, quality, manufacturing, commercial, and project functions.
- Strong problem‑solving skills, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy.
- Experience supporting or mentoring other engineers and providing technical guidance within a team environment.
- Willingness to travel in the UK and internationally as required.
Desirable
- Master’s degree or higher in antenna engineering, RF or microwave engineering, electromagnetics, or a related subject.
- Experience in a senior or lead technical role with delegated responsibility for design reviews, technical sign‑off, or engineering governance.
- Experience in defence, aerospace, communications, or other high‑reliability or regulated industries.
- Familiarity with qualification, validation, and compliance testing for demanding environmental or customer requirements.
- Experience developing wideband, multiband, compact, or platform‑integrated antenna solutions.
- Knowledge of design for manufacture, assembly, and transfer of products into production.
- Experience contributing to bids, proposals, technical reviews, and customer‑facing presentations.
- Experience of mentoring and developing junior engineers, including review of technical work and capability development.
- Chartered Engineer status, or working towards professional registration, would be advantageous.
Why Join Us
- Ownership of genuinely interesting, technically demanding programmes.
- A chance to shape how exceptional delivery is achieved, not just executing tasks.
- Close partnership with senior leadership.
- Working within a business with ambition, credibility and a strong team culture.
Benefits For You
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
- Pensions Plan
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Profit Share Scheme
- All Employee Share Plan
We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.
Principal Antenna Engineer employer: Steatite Ltd
At Steatite, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, wellbeing, and professional growth. Located in the picturesque rolling hills of Herefordshire, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits such as an EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme and generous annual leave but also the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology solutions that make a real impact in demanding environments. Join us to be part of a collaborative team where your contributions are valued, and you can develop your skills while enjoying an outstanding quality of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Antenna Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Steatite Ltd for a Principal Antenna Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Antenna Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Steatite Ltd, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Steatite Ltd, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Steatite Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Steatite Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Steatite Ltd. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Steatite Ltd love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
