Analogue RF Engineer

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are groundbreaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing, and big data for use in physical protection systems and critical information systems. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.

At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space. Your health and well-being matter to us, and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part-time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Ready to drive innovation in cutting-edge hardware that powers secure communications and advanced defence systems across land, air, and sea?

What the role has to offer

• Join us for exceptional growth opportunities and increasing technical responsibility.
• You’ll gain hands-on experience in RF and analogue support, primarily in HF with exciting opportunities in VHF.
• We aim to triple in size over the coming years through self-funded development and a passionate, talented team.

Our Opportunity

Join our team to provide hands-on RF and analogue support, focusing mainly on the HF domain with opportunities to work in VHF as well. Your day-to-day will involve evaluating solutions, troubleshooting, and designing circuits using simulation tools like RF and Spice to enhance development. You’ll create detailed circuit schematics and collaborate closely with PCB layout engineers to bring designs to life. Additionally, you’ll design electronic hardware rigs and assemblies, performing integration, verification, and qualification testing. You’ll produce comprehensive design documentation throughout the product lifecycle—from capturing requirements to defining test specifications. This role offers excellent growth potential, with opportunities to take on increasing technical responsibility as you develop your expertise.

Applicants can include suitably experienced RF Network Architects, RF Electronic Hardware Engineers, and Analogue RF Engineers seeking a new challenge. We also welcome applications from Junior Analogue RF Engineers and Associate RF Engineers eager to take the next step in their careers.

What We Offer You

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
• Pension - match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
• Life Assurance - 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension scheme)
• Income Protection - 50% of salary less state benefits for 5 years
• Annual Leave - 201 hours, bank holidays, plus 1 company day
• Private Medical Insurance - Couples cover
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 1:00pm
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• 24 hours paid leave for volunteering activities
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts - dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead the design and development of innovative, reliable solutions that push the boundaries of technology and deliver real-world impact.
• Conduct thorough testing, measurement, debugging, and verification to ensure products meet the highest standards of performance and quality.
• Utilize advanced simulation and analysis tools to optimize designs and anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Present complex technical issues clearly and confidently during design reviews, influencing decision-making and driving project success.
• Prepare detailed, well-structured design documents that guide teams and stakeholders through every stage of development.
• Provide proactive technical support to production teams, ensuring smooth transitions from design to manufacturing and maintaining product excellence.

About You

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don’t match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge, or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

• BEng Hons in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, or Electronic & Communication Engineering, or related discipline and/or equivalent experience in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Relevant design and product development experience (commercial, industrial, or defence).
• Knowledge of engineering processes and lifecycles, including DDQS and Lean Engineering.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacture, Test, and Support.
• Experience with HF system challenges such as cosite interference and transmitter/receiver co-location.
• Familiarity with HF communication standards, topside modelling, and link budget analysis would be valuable.
• Design knowledge of RF components: power amplifiers, filters, splitters, amplifiers, combiners, receivers, oscillators, frequency synthesizers, RF cosite, and EMC.
• Knowledge of V/UHF systems and techniques would be advantageous.
• Awareness of digital control (microprocessors, programmable devices, DSP, FPGA, memory) and DSP techniques is desirable.
• Proficient in CAD tools: Cadence DE HDL, Microwave Office, LTSpice.

Take the next step in your RF and analogue engineering career - apply now to join our innovative team and shape the future of cutting-edge communication technologies!

Security Clearance Statement

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries, our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!