Job Summary:

The RF and Microwave Design Team deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace, defence, and space sectors, primarily focused on radar and telecommunication systems. As RF Engineering Lead, you will combine technical depth in RF engineering with leadership and project management responsibilities. You will lead a team of RF engineers, guide the design, development, and delivery of high-performance RF systems while ensure successful execution of projects from concept to production.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of advanced RF circuits, subsystems, and architectures aligned with customer requirements and product roadmaps.
• Define RF system architectures, cascade analyses, and link budgets for radar, telemetry, and communication systems.
• Oversee and perform linear and non-linear simulations using tools such as ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, and MATLAB to validate designs before prototyping.
• Review and approve technical documentation, manufacturing packages, and engineering changes.
• Ensure RF designs are optimised for manufacturability, reliability, and environmental constraints (thermal, EMC, vibration).
• Act as technical lead in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and represent the RF discipline in cross-functional project teams.
• Line-manage a team of RF engineers and technicians, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of continuous technical improvement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Engage with customers during early project phases to understand technical needs and constraints.
• Support bids and proposals by providing RF input on capability, estimates, and risk assessments.
• Build links with external partners including suppliers, academia, and technology networks to stay ahead of emerging technologies.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Strong foundation in RF and microwave engineering, including circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and system integration.
• Significant hands-on experience in simulation, prototyping, testing, and optimisation of RF systems.
• Proven track record in leading technical teams and delivering RF engineering projects.
• Familiarity with industry-standard tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, MATLAB, Altium) and RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers, etc.).
• Understanding of space and defence product development lifecycle and relevant quality/regulatory standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and motivate a team.
• Project planning and coordination experience, preferably in a matrixed or cross-functional environment.

Competencies:

• Strong technical and communications skills.
• Self-motivated, creative and forward thinking.
• Ability to perform under pressure as an individual or as part of a team.
• Competent using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance in order to undertake related work in accordance with business needs.
• Strong technical and communications skills.
• Self-motivated, creative and forward thinking.
• Ability to perform under pressure as an individual or as part of a team.
• Customer facing/negotiation skills. Able to understand critical requirements.
• Able to define System Verification approach.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that recognises the value you will bring to Spectrum Control. You will receive:

• Flexible working practices – we work a 9-day fortnight, offer hybrid working, flexitime, and work a half day Friday
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• Health cash plan – cash back for everyday health expenses
• Pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
• Discount platform – retail, leisure, gym discounts and more
• Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling services
• Support for further training and education
• Continuous development and career progression opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Third-Party Recruiters

Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact scirecruiting@am.spectrumcontrol.com.