Senior Radio Frequency Engineer

Overview

🚀 Outside IR35 Contract – RF Engineer (mmWave / Ku & Ka Band) – 12 Months - Hybrid Working We’re on the hunt for a Senior-level RF Engineer to take the lead on cutting-edge mmWave RF circuit design for mission-critical SATCOM systems. If you're an expert in RF engineering and thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, this opportunity is built for you. The key to this position is having both the system level design experience, transceiver/transmitter design and hands on RF design and test of the system. This is a 12-month Hybrid Outside IR35 contract with a leading technology client based just south of Henley-on-Thames. You’ll be joining a highly skilled engineering team working at the forefront of satellite communication, delivering RF subsystems with global reach and real-world impact. 🔧 What You’ll Be Doing: RF Subsystem Design – Architect and design Ku/Ka-band front-end modules (LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, frequency converters) for next-gen SATCOM ground terminals. Simulation & Analysis – Run system analysis and propagation modelling using System Vue, ADS, and MATLAB. Prototyping & Testing – Take designs from schematic through to test and validation with VNAs, signal generators, satellite modems, and more. EM Simulation – Conduct high-fidelity simulations using HFSS, Keysight ADS, etc. Data-Driven Insight – Analyse and validate simulation and real-world data using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools. Collaborative Integration – Work closely with modem, antenna, mechanical and manufacturing teams to optimise at the system level. Documentation & Compliance – Create clear technical documentation and ensure all designs meet FCC, ITU, ETSI, EMC and ruggedisation standards. ✅ You’ll Need: 7–8+ years’ experience in RF/Microwave design – ideally for aerospace communications infrastructure Strong hands-on design experience across Ku and Ka bands (10–30GHz). Deep expertise in RF hardware (LNAs, mixers, VCOs, PAs, etc.) and performance optimisation (noise, linearity, impedance matching). Proficiency with RF test equipment: spectrum/network analysers, signal generators, etc. Simulation tool fluency: ADS, System Vue, MATLAB. Strong understanding of link budgets, phased arrays, and RF propagation. A knack for balancing high performance with DFM and cost-effectiveness. 💡 Nice to Have: RF PCB layout skills using Altium or equivalent. Familiarity with Python/MATLAB for automation and data processing. EM simulation experience (HFSS, CST). 📍Location: Hybrid role just south of Henley-on-Thames Commutable from Reading, Oxford, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, and surrounding areas 📅 Contract Details: Length: 12 months (with potential to extend) Status: Outside IR35 Start: ASAP / negotiable

Responsibilities

• Architect and design Ku/Ka-band front-end modules for SATCOM ground terminals.
• Conduct system analysis and propagation modelling using appropriate simulation tools.
• Prototype and validate designs using RF test equipment.
• Perform high-fidelity EM simulations for design optimization.
• Analyze and validate real-world and simulation data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and performance.
• Prepare technical documentation and ensure compliance with relevant standards.

Requirements

• 7-8+ years of RF/Microwave design experience, particularly in aerospace communications.
• Expertise in Ku and Ka band RF hardware design and optimization.
• Proficient with RF test equipment including spectrum/network analyzers.
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as ADS, System Vue, and MATLAB.
• Strong understanding of link budgets, phased arrays, and RF propagation.
• Experience balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Knowledge of RF PCB layout and EM simulation tools is a plus.