Principal RF Engineer

Overview

In this role you will own RF and mixed-signal hardware from architecture to bring-up, delivering high-performance boards for demanding environments. You will collaborate with FPGA, embedded software and signal-processing teams to meet system-level targets. You’ll work hands-on across the full RF chain, from front-end design to high-speed ADC/DAC integration, with engineering focus on robustness outside controlled labs. Bristol-based with hybrid work and UK SC clearance eligibility, offering technical ownership and meaningful impact. You will help shape reliable, high-performance RF hardware for complex applications.

Responsibilities

RF front-end and signal-chain design
Mixed-signal hardware incorporating high-speed ADCs and DACs
Multi-layer RF PCB and schematic design
RF component selection and integration
Hardware bring-up, debugging and optimisation
RF performance measurement using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators and oscilloscopes
Integration with FPGA and SDR platforms
End-to-end ownership from architecture to validation

Key requirements

RF analogue hardware and signal-chain design
MIXers, amplifiers, filters, oscillators and gain stages
High-speed ADC/DAC integration
RF and mixed-signal PCB design using Altium, KiCad or similar
RF layout, impedance control, grounding, isolation and signal integrity
Hardware bring-up and laboratory debugging
RF performance metrics including gain, noise figure, bandwidth and dynamic range