Senior RF Design Engineer

Wappenham, Northamptonshire | Hybrid Working (3 days onsite, 2 WFH) | Competitive Salary + Benefits

About My Client

My client is a globally recognized UK defense technology leader with 45+ years of innovation in advanced communications systems, long-range data links, and mission-critical RF solutions. Their systems support military and security operations in over 100 countries worldwide.

They're expanding their engineering team to develop next-generation products for defense, aerospace, and battlespace communications markets.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for a Senior RF Design Engineer to join a small, dynamic team designing world-class RF systems. You'll own full-lifecycle RF circuit design—from architecture and simulation through PCB development, testing, and production support.

This is hands-on, technical RF engineering on cutting-edge defense technologies in a fast-paced but rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

RF Circuit Design:

* Design high-power wideband RF amplifiers (up to 200W) using GaN/LDMOS technology

* Develop RF filters, LNAs, upconverters, downconverters, and RF frontends

* Transmitter/receiver circuit design and antenna development

* RF system architecture and electromagnetic simulation

* PCB schematic capture, layout, and component creation using Altium Designer

Technical Leadership:

* Lead and contribute to design reviews (PDR, IDR, CDR)

* Verify designs against specifications

* Troubleshoot hardware/system issues across the business

* Mentor junior engineers assigned to your projects

* Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams

* Manage external design partners when required

* Support manufacturing and production as needed

Essential Requirements

Must Have (5+ years minimum):

* Proven RF circuit design experience (not just layout or systems-level work)

* High-power RF amplifier design using GaN, LDMOS, or similar technologies

* RF filter design from concept to implementation

* Transmitter/receiver circuit design experience

* LNA, upconverter, downconverter design expertise

* Proficiency with PCB design software (Altium preferred)

* Experience with RF simulation tools (AWR Microwave Office, Ansys HFSS, or similar)

* Strong analog and digital electronics knowledge

* Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes)

* British Citizen or ability to obtain SC security clearance

* Degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience