Radio Frequency Design Engineer

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced RF Design Engineer to join our Counter-Drone Systems engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, developing, integrating, and validating RF and microwave subsystems used in advanced Counter-UAS and Electronic Warfare solutions.

This role requires expertise in RF front-end architecture, microwave circuit design, RF PCB development, transmitter and receiver systems, antenna interfaces, and defence-grade RF hardware. You will collaborate closely with Radar, Embedded Systems, FPGA, Signal Processing, Mechanical, and Software teams to develop production-ready defence systems.

Key Responsibilities

RF System Design

• Design RF front-end architectures for Counter-Drone and Electronic Warfare systems.
• Develop multi-band RF transmitter and receiver chains.
• Design RF modules including:
• Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA)
• Power Amplifiers (PA)
• Mixers
• Filters
• Couplers
• Duplexers
• Frequency Synthesizers
• Perform RF link budget analysis and optimize overall system performance.
• Support RF architecture definition and subsystem design reviews.

RF Hardware Development

• Design RF PCBs and microwave hardware assemblies.
• Select RF components based on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Review schematics and PCB layouts for RF integrity.
• Ensure compliance with EMC/EMI requirements and defence environmental standards.
• Support prototype development, manufacturing, and production release activities.

RF Testing & Validation

• Perform RF characterization and testing using:
• Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

• Spectrum Analyzer
• Signal Generator
• Power Meter
• Oscilloscope
• Develop RF test procedures and support automation where applicable.
• Conduct subsystem integration, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Support ATP, FAT, SAT, and customer acceptance testing.

System Integration

• Integrate RF subsystems with:
• Radar Systems
• Antenna Systems
• Electronic Warfare payloads
• Signal Processing Modules
• Embedded Systems
• FPGA Platforms
• Command & Control Software
• Participate in laboratory evaluations, outdoor field trials, and customer demonstrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare RF design specifications and technical documentation.
• Generate validation reports and engineering test records.
• Develop Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Maintain configuration management and engineering change documentation.
• Support certification, qualification, and production documentation.

Required Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in RF and Microwave Design.
• Strong understanding of RF system architecture and RF front-end design.
• Experience designing RF transmitter and receiver subsystems.
• Proficiency in RF simulation and design tools:
• ADS (Advanced Design System)
• HFSS
• CST Studio Suite
• Microwave Office
• Experience in RF PCB design and microwave circuit implementation.
• Hands-on experience with RF laboratory instruments including VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Generator, and Power Meter.
• Strong knowledge of Microwave Engineering principles.
• Understanding of EMC/EMI standards and RF compliance testing.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or other high-reliability RF systems.

Preferred Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Counter-Drone (C-UAS) Systems
• Radar Systems
• Electronic Warfare (EW)
• SIGINT / ELINT Systems
• Defence Communication Systems
• Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• FPGA-based RF Platforms
• Military Communication Equipment

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex RF and microwave systems.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary product development environments.
• Ability to work effectively under demanding project timelines.