Senior or Principal MMIC Engineer

Job Description:

Salary:
Senior: 45, 200 to 61,950 / Principal: 53,300 to 71,400

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your impact

At Leonardo, you won’t just be working on radar systems — you’ll be helping to define what comes next. Join a team at the forefront of phased array radar technology, where innovation, expertise and ambition come together to shape capabilities that matter. We’re seeking talented, driven and experienced Senior/Principal Microwave Engineers to become part of our growing hardware engineering community within our world‑class radar division.

Based at our Edinburgh site, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, turning cutting‑edge ideas into real‑world solutions.

You will:

Create high quality and robust MMIC designs using Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor technologies.

Perform circuit design including High Power Amplifiers, Low Noise Amplifiers, Attenuators, Phase Shifters, Switches, Oscillators etc.

Prepare robust manufacturing data packs and provide technical support to sub-contracts and engineering interface with external foundries.

Ensure design reviews are planned, executed and completed successfully.

Conduct RF on wafer and “chip on board” testing of your designs including debugging, and performance verification to ensure the requirements are met.

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams – mechanical, systems, test and manufacture - to ensure seamless integration of your MMIC designs into our larger systems.

Mentor early career engineers and contribute to technical reviews and design standards.

What you’ll bring

To excel in this role, you’ll bring a strong command of RF circuit design, microwave engineering, and electromagnetic theory, paired with the problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail needed to tackle complex technical challenges. A curiosity for emerging technologies, enthusiasm for the defence and space sectors, and adaptability to new methods and tools will also help you thrive as part of our team.

Qualifications:

first or second degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferable) or related science (e.g. Physics)
Proven experience (3 years +) in MMIC circuit design and a strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory.

Proficiency in using commercial software tools for RF analysis /simulation such as Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office & CST Microwave Studio Hands-on experience in RF & Microwave measurement techniques such as Vector Network Analysis, Spectrum Analysis etc.

Awareness of requirements management, ideally using tools such as IBM Doors.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:
Why join usAt Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

Time to Recharge:
Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

Secure your Future:
Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

Your Wellbeing Matters:
Free access to mental health support,…