Principal RF Engineer

Job Description:

We are excited to be recruiting for an experienced Engineer with microwave engineering knowledge, familiar with working on complex electronic (ideally RF-based) sensor systems.

The role can be based in either Southampton or Bristol and will focus on the electronics design of the RF and control subsystems; to be implemented on laboratory and aircraft concept demonstrators.

You will provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle including design implementation, integration and test, system trials and product delivery.

You will be part of the Leonardo Airborne Communications product development group within the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business; interacting with partner organisations / sub-contractors and potential customers. 

Your Impact:

• You will be responsible for delivery of work packages focused on analogue and RF electronics, covering the inter vehicle data link design, system test and integration. 
• Modelling of proposed architectures to determine the optimal solution. 
• Simulation of RF design. 
• Documentation of design including configuration management within Teamcenter. 
• Support laboratory hardware demonstrator development and test.

What we are looking for

• Practical hands on experience of RF design of circuitry, ideally between DC and 30 GHz, but if you don’t have experience over this whole range then we’d still be interested to hear from you.
• Experience of working with PCB layout personnel in an advisory capacity.
• Hands on experience of using RF test and measurement equipment to develop and debug RF circuitry.
• Ability to use RF and system modelling and simulation tools.
• Ability to produce concise technical reports detailing design solutions and implementation.
• Ability to understand and follow the business practices, such as design reviews, which come with working in a high technology defence environment.
• Degree in relevant engineering or related scientific discipline (Electronics Engineering preferred).
• As part of an electromechanical project, be willing to work closely with the mechanical team members to create a solution which addresses all design requirements.

It would be nice if you had:

• Knowledge / experience of digital or mixed signal design.
• Experience in system level and sub-system integration and debug.
• Experience of working in the defence electronics sector.
• Chartered Engineer status, or a member of a professional engineering institution.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.

Leonardo offers an additional allowances for some roles – for more information please contact [email protected]

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

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Primary Location:

GB - Southampton

Additional Locations:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid