RF Research Engineer

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

We are looking for an RF Research Engineer to join our highly experienced research team within Thales Research & Technology (TRT). This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse range of cutting-edge projects, from feasibility studies and proof-of-concept demonstrators through to pre-production prototypes. You'll have the freedom to innovate, explore new RF technologies and contribute to the development of future capabilities for defence and security applications.

About Thales Research & Technology:

The Thales Research & Technology (TRT) function sits at the heart of Thales UK's innovation capability, supporting growth across our key market sectors and exploring future technologies and opportunities. Our teams undertake cutting-edge research and development activities, helping shape the next generation of solutions across defence, aerospace, security and digital technologies.

Working across a variety of cutting-edge projects, you'll combine hands-on RF design and development with research, rapid prototyping and technology exploration. No two projects are the same, offering exposure to a diverse range of technical challenges and emerging technologies. If you're motivated by solving complex engineering problems, learning from experienced research engineers, and seeing your ideas shape future defence and security solutions, this role offers an exceptional environment to develop your expertise and make a meaningful impact.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative RF concepts and proof-of-concept demonstrators to investigate new technologies and capabilities.
• Design, simulate, prototype and test discrete RF circuits, integrating them into wider communication systems.
• Carry out feasibility studies through analysis, modelling, rapid prototyping and experimental evaluation.
• Explore emerging RF technologies, assessing their suitability and potential application within Thales products and solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual research activities and adapting to new technical challenges.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Strong understanding of RF engineering principles, with hands-on experience designing discrete RF circuits in the VHF or UHF bands, including filters, LNAs, PAs, VCOs and related components.
• Experience using RF simulation tools such as ADS (PathWave), Microwave Office or HFSS.
• Experience using PCB CAD tools, preferably Cadence, with knowledge of Altium, OrCAD or KiCAD also beneficial.
• Familiarity with RF laboratory equipment and standard RF test techniques, including Vector Network Analysers (VNA), Spectrum Analysers and Signal Generators.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
• Military communications or tactical radio systems.
• RF integration, debugging, fault-finding and verification.
• RF system architecture and analysis.
• Higher-frequency RF design (S-band, C-band or X-band), radar, electronic warfare or antenna design.
• Complementary engineering skills such as Python, C, MATLAB, VHDL or broader hardware design.

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
• Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement (UK Eyes Only):

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.

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.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.