Principal RF Engineer

Location: Great Baddow or Cowes
Contract Length: 6 months
IR35: Inside IR35
Rate: £60p/h PAYE (£68.72p/h inc. holiday rate) OR £81.05p/h Umbrella

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design and development of advanced Radio Frequency (RF) hardware systems. This is a senior-level role focused on delivering robust RF solutions across new product development and technology upgrades to existing platforms.

The successful candidate will lead RF design activities from concept through to production and integration, resolving complex engineering challenges within high-performance, safety-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in RF engineering.
Develop RF system architectures and detailed circuit-level designs.
Perform RF and electromagnetic simulation and analysis (e.g., using industry-standard tools such as ADS, HFSS or equivalent).
Specify bespoke and commercially available (COTS) hardware components.
Conduct design verification through simulation, analysis, and testing, including support to EMC compliance and customer integration activities.
Lead RF integration at subsystem or equipment level.
Produce and review design documentation and technical reports.
Support design reviews and ensure adherence to engineering lifecycle processes.
Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, mechanical/thermal, safety, manufacturing, and support teams.
Ensure compliance with safety, legislative, and product assurance requirements.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

Extensive experience in RF technologies, system and circuit architectures.
Strong background in RF system simulation and electromagnetic modelling.
Proven experience delivering component-level designs suitable for volume production.
Experience in integration, verification, validation, and defect resolution.
Ability to generate technical evidence supporting compliance, safety, and acceptance requirements.
Desirable:

Experience in defence or high-integrity/safety-critical industries.
Background in complex radar or sensing systems