Principal RF Engineer

Job Title: Principal RF Engineer – Next Gen RF Systems
Location: Watford, UK
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Industry: RF Design & Satellite Communications

Be at the Forefront of RF Innovation
Are you an experienced RF Engineer looking to lead the development of next-generation RF and mmWave technologies? A global leader in RF and satellite communications is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to join its growing R&D team. This is a hands-on role that blends technical leadership with practical lab work to develop complex RF systems used in mission-critical communications worldwide. We are facilitating seamless synchronisation between analogue RF signals and the advancing digitised ground segment. Our solution embraces a cloud-based ecosystem, offering unmatched flexibility, scalability, and operational agility to meet future needs.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, simulation, schematic capture, and PCB layout for RF systems and sub-systems at a state of the art design centre in Watford.
• Conduct lab-based testing and tuning to meet performance and reliability specifications.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior RF engineers.
• Drive the development and testing of prototypes, using both custom and off-the-shelf components.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (including mechanical, DSP, software, and firmware engineers) across the full product development lifecycle.
• Define and implement verification and validation processes to ensure designs meet all functional requirements.
• Occasional travel may be required for collaboration with other UK-based engineering teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Degree qualified (BEng/MEng/MSc) in RF, Electronics, or Opto-Electronics Engineering.
• Proven experience in RF system design, including transceiver architectures, link budget analysis, and frequency planning.
• Proficient in EM modelling, simulation tools, and familiar with RF test instrumentation (spectrum analysers, VNAs, etc.).
• Strong practical skills in lab-based prototyping, testing, and fault diagnosis.
• A collaborative leader with a hands-on approach and mentoring mindset.

What’s on Offer:

• Work on cutting-edge RF and mmWave technology projects with global impact.
• Be part of a dynamic and expanding engineering team in a company that values innovation and technical excellence.
• Enjoy opportunities for career progression, professional development, and technical leadership.
• Work in a culture that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.

Additional Information:

• Location: On-site role based in Watford, UK.

Keywords:
Principal RF Engineer, RF Design Engineer, mmWave Engineer, RF System Design, RF Testing, RF Prototyping, Satellite Communications, Microwave Engineering Jobs, Electronics Design Jobs UK, RF Engineering Careers, Link Budget Analysis, EM Simulation, Watford Engineering Jobs

Ready to take your RF engineering career to the next level? Apply today and lead the design of tomorrow’s satellite communication systems.