Lead RF Engineer

Lower Assendon
3 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal RF Engineer

Technical Lead Engineer - Radio Systems

Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Communication Systems Engineer (SC Cleared)

Senior Analogue and Digital Electronic Design Engineer

We’re on the hunt for a Senior-level RF Engineer to take the lead on cutting-edge mmWave RF circuit design for mission-critical SATCOM systems. If you're an expert in RF engineering – particularly across the 10–30GHz range – and thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, this opportunity is built for you. The key to this position is having both the system level design experience, transceiver/transmitter design and hands on RF design and test of the system.

This is a 12-month Hybrid working Outside IR35 contract with a leading technology client based just south of Henley-on-Thames. You’ll be joining a highly skilled engineering team working at the forefront of satellite communication, delivering RF subsystems with global reach and real-world impact.

What You’ll Be Doing:

RF Subsystem Design – Architect and design Ku/Ka-band front-end modules (LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, frequency converters) for next-gen SATCOM ground terminals.
Simulation & Analysis – Run system analysis and propagation modelling using System Vue, ADS, and MATLAB.
Prototyping & Testing – Take designs from schematic through to test and validation with VNAs, signal generators, satellite modems, and more.
EM Simulation – Conduct high-fidelity simulations using HFSS, Keysight ADS, etc.
Data-Driven Insight – Analyse and validate simulation and real-world data using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
Collaborative Integration – Work closely with modem, antenna, mechanical and manufacturing teams to optimise at the system level.
Documentation & Compliance – Create clear technical documentation and ensure all designs meet FCC, ITU, ETSI, EMC and ruggedisation standards.
✅ You’ll Need:

7–8+ years’ experience in RF/Microwave design – ideally for aerospace communications infrastructure
Strong hands-on design experience across Ku and Ka bands (10–30GHz).
Deep expertise in RF hardware (LNAs, mixers, VCOs, PAs, etc.) and performance optimisation (noise, linearity, impedance matching).
Proficiency with RF test equipment: spectrum/network analysers, signal generators, etc.
Simulation tool fluency: ADS, System Vue, MATLAB.
Strong understanding of link budgets, phased arrays, and RF propagation.
A knack for balancing high performance with DFM and cost-effectiveness.
Nice to Have:

RF PCB layout skills using Altium or equivalent.
Familiarity with Python/MATLAB for automation and data processing.
EM simulation experience (HFSS, CST).
Location:

Hybrid Working role just south of Henley-on-Thames
Commutable from Reading, Oxford, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, and surrounding areas
Contract Details:

Length: 12 months (with potential to extend)
Status: Outside IR35
Start: ASAP / negotiable

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Space Industry Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UK Space Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the space industry — whether that’s spacecraft engineering, mission operations, space software, satellite systems, ground segment integration or space data analytics — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools, platforms and technologies mentioned in job adverts. One role wants experience with CAD and FEA software. Another asks for experience with GNSS simulation. A third mentions mission scheduling tools, RF link analysis suites, Python, C++, continuous integration — and it seems there’s always another acronym to learn. With so much listed, many candidates fall into the trap of thinking they must master every tool under the sun before they’ll be taken seriously. Here’s the honest truth most UK space hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you’ve heard of every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real space problems, explain your reasoning clearly, and deliver results. Tools matter, but they always serve a purpose: achieving mission goals, improving reliability, reducing risk, delivering data, or enabling collaboration. Tools are enablers — not trophies. So how many tools do you actually need to know to get a space job? The answer is much fewer and far more strategic than you might think. This article breaks down: what tools employers really expect which ones are core across most space roles which ones are role-specific how to present your tool proficiency on your CV and in interviews

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Space Sector Job Applications (UK Guide)

The space industry is one of the most exciting and multidisciplinary sectors in technology and engineering today. Whether you’re applying for roles in spacecraft design, aerospace systems, robotics, satellite communications, mission operations, payload engineering, space software, ground systems, or scientific research, your application must quickly show hiring managers that you are relevant, technically credible and ready to deliver. In the UK space jobs market — spanning organisations from startups to defence primes, agencies, research labs and commercial constellations — hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. They scan applications rapidly, often making a judgement about whether to read further within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in space sector applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, why specific signals matter, and how you can position your experience to stand out on www.ukspacejobs.co.uk .

The Skills Gap in UK Space Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The UK space sector is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing high-tech industries in the world. From Earth observation and satellite communications to space robotics, launch systems and deep-space exploration, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. The UK Government’s ambition to capture a significant share of the global space economy has driven investment, policy support and a wave of innovative companies — both established and start-up. Yet despite strong academic programmes and a pipeline of graduates with relevant degrees, employers in the UK space sector consistently report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not prepared for real-world space industry jobs. This is not a matter of intelligence or motivation. Rather, it reflects a growing skills gap between what universities are teaching and what employers actually need from space professionals. In this article, we’ll explore why that gap exists, what universities are doing well, where they fall short, what employers want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build thriving careers in the UK space sector.