Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer

Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer Stevenage Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience Bonus up to £2,500 | Paid overtime | Pension up to 14% | 25 days leave + up to 15 flexi days We are recruiting for a Senior RF / Microwave Design Engineer to join a leading defence engineering organisation developing advanced RF hardware for complex weapons and sensor systems. This is a hands-on, component-level role suited to an experienced engineer who enjoys owning RF designs from initial concept through to lab testing, verification and manufacture. You will work on technically challenging, high-reliability defence programmes, designing and proving RF and microwave hardware that operates in demanding and harsh environments. The Role As a Senior RF Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development and verification of RF hardware across the full engineering lifecycle. Key responsibilities include: * Design and development of RF and microwave circuits across 30MHz–30GHz * Design of LNAs, HPAs, filters, oscillators, synthesisers and modulators * RF simulation, schematic capture and layout using industry-standard tools * Hands-on laboratory work including soldering, fault-finding, board modification and rapid prototyping * Conducting RF design proving tests using spectrum analysers, VNAs and power meters * Designing hardware for harsh environments including EMC, vibration and thermal constraints * Supporting products through manufacture, including DFM and DFT activities * Producing clear technical documentation and communicating results to internal stakeholders What We’re Looking For Essential: * Proven experience in component-level RF and microwave hardware design * Strong hands-on laboratory and practical engineering skills * Confident use of RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, VNAs and power meters * Experience using RF design and layout tools such as Microwave Office * Good knowledge of analogue, digital and power supply design Desirable: * Experience in defence, aerospace or other safety-critical industries * Exposure to regulated, high-reliability electronic products * Experience supporting qualification, manufacture and production test Security & Eligibility (Non-negotiable) Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British Citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship and capable of achieving the required security clearance (BPSS as a minimum)