RF​/Digital SDR Integration Engineer; KTP Associate

Job Description

Contract Type: Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 months

Location: Edinburgh, UK (Office-based role at Heriot-Watt University campus)

Salary: Up to £41,000 per annum

Important Dates: Please note that interviews are provisionally scheduled for the week commencing 13 July 2026 (during UK business hours). Candidates are encouraged to reserve this period in their calendars to ensure availability.

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated RF/digital engineer to join a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between PNTaaS Ltd and Heriot-Watt University.

The role represents an opportunity to shape the development of advanced RF and digital Software Defined Radio (SDR) solutions for satellite signals of opportunity (SoOP) based Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. The successful Associate will be at the heart of the project, working alongside Heriot-Watt to develop PNT systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. This role will suit someone who thrives at bridging cutting‑edge academic knowledge with real‑world industrial applications.

This project is embedded at PNTaaS and fulfils a critical need  Associate will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot‑Watt University to PNTaaS and contribute to market growth for the business. This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the PNTaaS team on hands‑on antenna, RF and digital development, laboratory testing, and close collaboration with academic and industry teams.

The successful appointee shall be based at PNTaaS’s premises on Heriot‑Watt’s Edinburgh Research Campus and will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot‑Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh.

As a KTP Associate you will receive training as part of a cohort, training on PNTaaS systems and processes, training time and £4,000 budget for personal development.

This is a fixed‑term appointment for 24 months. Subject to satisfactory performance, there may be an opportunity for a permanent position with PNTaaS Ltd at the end of the project.

We are seeking candidates with a record that will demonstrate their capability to effectively deliver the required research activities.

You will have a practical knowledge and experience in the area of RF and digital subsystems for satellite communications. You will perform microwave device and subsystem design, including Antennas, RF PCB design and SDR FPGA development. You will have a good understanding of the challenges emerging in the hardware implementation involving passive and active RF devices. The project will involve integration of equipment and subsystems towards wireless and satellite communication systems.

You will be expected to have a strong practical understanding of electronic systems.

This opportunity therefore relates to high quality, self‑motivated individuals with the ability to work and actively participate in developing advanced research in software defined radio and C, Ku and Ka‑band antenna engineering.

We encourage applications from early‑career graduates if they can demonstrate clear interest and aptitude for this field. The successful candidate will receive structured training and mentoring, as a part of the KTP, to develop expertise in areas where they may have limited prior experience.

• Hardware and firmware development for integrated RF front‑end solutions for Ku, Ka, and C band applications.
• RF PCB design, development and validation.
• Present technical work at internal/external meetings and external conferences.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in RF, satellite communication and PNT systems.
• Take a leading role in project management and reporting; resource planning and budgeting; and stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Ensure alignment between academic innovation and industrial requirements.
• Contribute to broader activities across both organisations, including professional development initiatives, as appropriate.
• Actively participate in the activities of the wider business as a full member of the PNTaaS Team.
• As a KTP Associate, you will be part of the…