Principal Antenna Engineer
Our client is looking for a Principal Antenna Engineer to take on a senior technical leadership position within its antenna engineering function in Leominster.
This is a permanent position paying £68,000–£75,000 plus benefits. The role is predominantly site-based, with occasional remote working by exception. Some UK and international travel will be required.
Our client designs and manufactures high-performance antenna and RF products for defence, security and specialist commercial applications. Its technology is used in demanding environments where reliability, performance and safety are critical, from secure communications and challenging terrain through to aerospace and other high-reliability systems.
The Principal Antenna Engineer will report to the Chief RF Engineer and take technical responsibility for the development of antenna and RF products from initial concept through modelling, design, verification, qualification and manufacture.
Alongside remaining hands-on technically, you will act as deputy to the Chief RF Engineer, provide leadership across complex engineering programmes and act as delegated design authority when required.
What the role involves
You will design, develop and optimise antenna and RF solutions, using electromagnetic modelling and simulation to assess performance and guide design decisions.
The role will include:
Leading antenna and RF product development from concept through to production
Carrying out electromagnetic modelling, simulation and technical analysis using CST Microwave Studio or equivalent software
Providing technical leadership across complex engineering projects
Acting as deputy to the Chief RF Engineer and delegated design authority when required
Translating customer requirements into practical and manufacturable engineering solutions
Leading technical discussions with customers and supporting bids, proposals and presentations
Planning and overseeing RF and antenna testing, validation and performance verification
Ensuring products meet customer, regulatory and internal engineering requirements
Resolving complex technical issues throughout the product lifecycle
Supporting qualification testing, compliance and product assurance activities
Improving engineering processes, design standards and technical governance
Mentoring engineers and supporting knowledge sharing across the department
Contributing to recruitment and the continued development of the engineering capability
The Principal Antenna Engineer will work closely with mechanical design, quality, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, commercial and project teams to ensure technical solutions can be successfully delivered.
What our client is looking for
You should be an experienced antenna or RF engineer with strong technical knowledge and the confidence to lead technical decisions across complex programmes.
You will need:
A degree in RF, microwave, electronic engineering, physics or a related discipline
Significant industrial experience in RF and antenna engineering
Strong knowledge of electromagnetic theory, antenna design and RF measurement techniques
Experience using CST Microwave Studio or equivalent electromagnetic simulation software
Hands-on experience with RF testing, verification and validation
Experience developing antenna or RF products from concept through to manufacture
Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
Experience working directly with customers and responding to complex technical requirements
Previous experience mentoring, leading or providing technical guidance to engineers
The ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally
Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance at SC level
A Master's degree, PhD or Chartered Engineer status would be beneficial but is not essential. Experience within defence, aerospace or another high-reliability engineering environment would also be valuable, particularly where you have supported qualification testing, compliance, product assurance, technical proposals or customer presentations.
Why it is worth considering
This is an influential technical position for someone who wants to remain closely involved in antenna engineering while taking greater responsibility for technical strategy, engineering standards and the development of other engineers.
You will work on technically challenging antenna and RF programmes supporting defence, security and high-reliability applications. You will also have the opportunity to influence future products, improve engineering practices and work closely with senior technical leadership.
The benefits package includes:
26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
Additional annual leave based on length of service
Company pension
Company sick pay
Life assurance
Profit share scheme
All-employee share plan
EV salary sacrifice scheme
For more information on this Principal Antenna Engineer role, please reach out to Zac Taylor at IC Resources.