Principal RF Engineer

Principal RF Engineer Overview

Our client, a specialist in RF and microwave engineering, is seeking a highly experienced Principal RF Engineer to join their team in England. The company develops cutting-edge high-performance RF and millimeter-wave technology for sectors including telecommunications, defense, space, and advanced communications. Their projects range from niche, specialized programs to high-volume product platforms, with design, testing, and manufacturing processes all managed internally to ensure quality and integration.

The Principal RF Engineer will play a key leadership role across the entire product lifecycle. This includes early-stage concept development, system architecture, detailed design, verification, and final production release. This position offers a unique opportunity for a senior engineer to have significant influence over RF design choices, product performance, and manufacturing processes. The role is hands-on, requiring direct involvement with real hardware, and provides the chance to shape final products through technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the design and development of RF and millimeter-wave circuits, modules, and subsystems to meet high-performance standards.
• Owning the technical aspects of specifications, simulations, realization, and verification to ensure design integrity.
• Performing system-level analysis including line-up, tolerance, yield, and manufacturing considerations to optimize product reliability.
• Assisting in the selection of components, ICs, and MMICs suitable for the design requirements.
• Working collaboratively with mechanical, electronic, PCB layout, manufacturing, and testing teams to facilitate smooth integration and production readiness.
• Leading technical reviews, identifying potential risks, and developing strategies to mitigate issues.
• Supporting the introduction of new products into manufacturing, troubleshooting faults, and ensuring designs are ready for production.
• Providing technical mentorship and guidance to other engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering environment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have extensive RF/microwave design experience, with a practical understanding of bringing high-performance RF hardware into production environments. Familiarity with RF design tools such as Microwave Office, ADS, CST, or EMPro is highly desirable. Experience working with RF components like amplifiers, filters, transceivers, and RF modules or subsystems is essential. The candidate should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, the ability to lead technical discussions, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• A salary package that is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Flexible working arrangements, including the option for hybrid work.
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with the possibility to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Matched pension contributions up to 8% of salary.
• Support for continuous learning and professional development.
• Paid volunteer days to support community engagement.
• Employee assistance programs offering support for personal and professional well-being.
• Enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance.

This role is based in Reading, England, and offers a dynamic environment for senior RF engineers seeking to influence product development directly. For further details or to apply, interested candidates can contact Zac Taylor at IC Resources.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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