Principal Microwave Engineer

Job Description:

How do you design microwave electronics that still perform when speed, power and survivability really matter?

At Leonardo, our Electronic Warfare self‑protection systems are deployed across fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms — operating in some of the most demanding RF environments in the world. As a Senior or Principal Microwave Engineer, you’ll help design and deliver the microwave subsystems that enable these platforms to detect, respond and survive. Based primarily at our Luton or Bristol sites, this role offers hybrid working, with on‑site time flexing to meet programme and test requirements.

What you will do as a Principal Microwave Engineer working on EW programmes:

Design and develop microwave and RF circuits operating to and beyond 20 GHz, supporting advanced EW self‑protection systems.

Contribute to the development of complex RF subsystems, from early concept and requirements derivation through detailed design, integration and test.

Perform microwave simulation, modelling and optimisation using industry‑standard EM and circuit tools.

Translate system‑level and RF requirements into robust, manufacturable microwave designs.

Support hands‑on RF test, measurement and debug using world‑class laboratory facilities.

Solve technically challenging problems across the RF chain, balancing performance, power, reliability and manufacturability.

Contribute to and be supported by an Integrated Project Team.

Propose and report on work packages (cost, schedule and technical progress).Engage in design reviews and technical discussions with internal stakeholders, partners and customers.

Provide technical leadership and mentoring to early‑career and developing engineers

Influence design approaches, tools and best practice across microwave teams

Where required, support technical reviews across Leonardo UK sites or customer locations (UK and occasional overseas travel).What you’ll bring

This role is aimed at engineers with deep microwave or RF expertise who are comfortable operating with a high degree of technical autonomy.

Essential experience:

Proven experience designing RF / microwave circuitry or subsystems in complex electronic systems.

Strong understanding of microwave theory, high‑frequency effects and practical implementation.

Experience using one or more of:

Keysight ADSMicrowave OfficeCST Microwave Studio Ansys HFSSSiemens EDA / Mentor tools

Practical experience with RF and microwave layout techniques.

Extensive hands‑on experience with RF test equipment, such as network analysers, spectrum analysers and RF sources.

Proven ability to debug failing hardware or test setups.

Analysing results and reporting against derived design requirements.

Experience interfacing with customers, suppliers or internal stakeholders on technical matters.

Experience working within a structured electronic design lifecycle under configuration control.

Team working, including effective communication skills, progress reporting and planning of one’s activities in pursuit of the team’s goals.

Willingness and capability to support and mentor less‑experienced engineers.

Valuable (but not essential):

Definition of work packages (cost, schedule, technical milestones) e.g. to support estimates or to kick-off new work.

Experience with in the defence or aerospace sector.

Background in regulated or high‑reliability industries.

HNC/HND or degree‑level knowledge in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or similar — or equivalent practical experience.

Experience in some of the following is advantageous:

RF synthesise rs (DDS or PLL‑based)
Mixers Frequency conversion

Passive microwave structures (e.g. filters)
High‑power amplifiers or switches

Low phase‑noise design and measurementRF chain analysis and budgetingRF PCB designMMICs…