Principal RF Hardware Engineer – Calibration

Principal RF Hardware Engineer – Calibration

Location:

Norwich, England, UK (Hybrid/On‑site)

Job Summary:

Fluke Calibration designs and builds industry‑leading RF and electrical calibration instruments used by metrology labs, defense customers, and manufacturers worldwide. These products depend on exceptionally precise, low‑noise, high‑frequency hardware operating from DC into the microwave range (current products to 27GHz), and world‑class measurement science.

The Principal RF Hardware Engineer is the senior technical authority for precision RF hardware within our Norwich engineering team. This role owns the design, simulation, validation, and lifecycle of high‑performance RF and mixed‑signal hardware, from concept through production, and sets the technical direction that secures the long‑term capability of the RF product line. Working closely with systems engineering, firmware, metrology, and manufacturing, the engineer turns demanding measurement requirements into robust, manufacturable designs and mentors the broader team to deepen its RF expertise.

• Serve as the principal RF design authority, owning architecture and design of precision RF and mixed‑signal hardware and PCAs for low phase noise, spectral purity, signal integrity, and metrology‑grade stability.
• Drive designs through the full lifecycle (concept, simulation, prototype, verification, release, and sustaining) to ship high‑quality products on schedule.
• Perform RF simulation, modeling, and analysis (e.g., S‑parameters, harmonic balance, EM and transmission‑line analysis) and correlate models to measured results using VNAs, spectrum/phase‑noise analyzers, and TDR.
• Lead design reviews, risk mitigation, and component obsolescence (EOL/RoHS) redesigns, including second‑sourcing of critical RF/microwave components.
• Partner closely with the factory and test engineering teams to ensure designs are producible, testable, and achieve strong first‑pass yield.
• Provide technical leadership across systems, firmware, and metrology; mentor engineers and capture RF design knowledge to strengthen long‑term team capability.
• Influence the RF technology roadmap by identifying risks, proposing architectural improvements, and exploring new measurement technologies at higher frequencies.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, or RF/Microwave Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 15+ years of hands‑on precision RF and mixed‑signal hardware design, with a proven track record of shipping products to production.
• Direct design experience across the frequency range of current products (DC to 27GHz), with familiarity or hands‑on experience extending to 50+GHz.
• Recognized depth in RF/microwave design, such as low phase‑noise synthesis, signal generation and leveling, frequency conversion, and high‑frequency signal integrity.
• Strong proficiency with RF simulation and modeling tools (e.g., ADS, AWR/Microwave Office, HFSS/CST, or equivalent) and correlating models to measurement.
• Hands‑on mastery of RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum/phase‑noise analyzers, signal generators, power meters, TDR/oscilloscopes) and solid grounding in metrology and traceability.
• Demonstrated collaboration with manufacturing on design‑for‑manufacturability, test development, yield, and obsolescence management.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to set technical direction across cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to work on‑site at the Norwich, England design center.

Fortive’s essential technology makes the world safer and more productive. We accelerate transformation in high‑impact fields like workplace safety, build environments, and healthcare.

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward‑looking companies lead the way in healthcare sterilization, industrial safety, predictive maintenance, and other mission‑critical solutions. We’re a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to advanced technologies that help providers focus on exceptional…