Senior Microwave Engineer

• →Develop microwave and RF circuits operating to and beyond 20 GHz, supporting advanced EW self‑protection systems.
• →Contribute to the development of complex RF subsystems, from early prototyping through detailed design, integration and test.
• →Perform microwave simulation, modelling and optimisation using industry‑standard EM and circuit tools.
• →Perform hands‑on RF test, measurement and debug using world‑class laboratory facilities.
• →Propose changes / updates as applicable.
• →Contribute to and be supported by an Integrated Project Team.
• →Engage in design reviews and technical discussions with internal stakeholders, partners and customers.
• →In performing the above, solve technically challenging problems across the RF chain, balancing performance, power, reliability and manufacturability.

This role is aimed at engineers with microwave or RF expertise who are comfortable operating with some technical autonomy.

• Proven experience working with RF / microwave circuitry in electronic systems.
• Understanding of microwave theory, high‑frequency effects and practical implementation including layout.
• Experience using one or more of:
  • Keysight ADS
  • Microwave Office
  • CST Microwave Studio
  • Ansys HFSS
  • Siemens EDA / Mentor tools
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment, such as network analysers, spectrum analysers and RF sources.
• Ability to debug failing hardware or test setups.
• Practical experience analysing results and reporting against design requirements.
• Experience interfacing with customers, suppliers or internal stakeholders on technical matters.
• Teamworking: effective communication, undertaking activities in pursuit of the team’s goals and reporting on progress of these.
• Willingness to support and mentor less‑experienced early careers engineers.

• Experience working within a structured electronic design lifecycle.
• Exposure to reporting on cost and schedule as well as technical progress.
• Experience within the defence or aerospace sector.
• Background in regulated or high‑reliability industries.
• HNC/HND or degree‑level knowledge in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or similar — or equivalent practical experience.

• RF and microwave layout techniques
• RF synthesisers (DDS or PLL‑based)
• Mixers
• Frequency conversion
• Passive microwave structures (e.g. filters)
• High‑power amplifiers or switches
• Low phase‑noise design and measurement
• RF chain analysis and budgeting
• RF PCB design
• MMICs
• Antennas
• High speed digital circuitry
• Circuits operating across multi‑octave bandwidths
• Model‑driven engineering (MATLAB / Simulink)
• Test automation (e.g. LabVIEW)

This role rewards technical depth, judgement and delivery.

• Senior engineers operate with significant autonomy, owning complex microwave designs and solving demanding RF problems within EW systems.
• As influence and experience grow, progression to Principal Microwave Engineer brings broader technical authority — shaping subsystem architectures, guiding design standards and mentoring others.
  • Principal engineers will play a visible role in technical strategy, design governance and cross‑programme problem solving.
• Progression is driven by technical credibility, product‑level understanding and trust earned through delivery, rather than formal hierarchy.

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