Lead RF Systems Engineer / Technical Lead
// Role Summary
Lead RF Systems Engineers with deep RF expertise are sought to shape innovative system solutions from concept to demonstrator, providing technical leadership and engaging with customers.
// Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for RF systems development, from early-stage R&D to advanced demonstrators.
- Lead the development of RF system architectures, including trade-off studies.
- Integrate multi-disciplinary specialists to deliver cohesive system solutions.
- Engage with customers and stakeholders, providing technical justifications and roadmaps.
- Mentor and inspire engineers, fostering technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Requires a strong background in RF systems engineering, particularly in Radar and/or Electronic Warfare.
// Role Specification
About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is a leading provider of digital, cyber, and intelligence solutions, collaborating across 10 countries to help governments, nation states, armed forces, and commercial businesses gain a digital advantage in demanding environments.
Join BAE Systems and contribute to pioneering progress and protecting what matters most. You'll be trusted to deliver advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, and security solutions, shaping a safer future.
Role Description: Lead RF Systems Engineer / Technical Lead
We are seeking a highly experienced and driven Lead RF Systems Engineer / Technical Lead to join our growing capability team focused on the development of RF systems. This role is ideal for a systems-level thinker with deep expertise in RF technologies who thrives at the interface of multi-disciplinary teams and excels in shaping innovative system solutions from concept through to demonstrator.
Key Responsibilities:
- Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership across Sense & Effect development projects, from early-stage R&D (TRL 2-4) through to advanced technology demonstrators (TRL 5/6 and beyond).
- Systems Engineering: Lead the development of RF system architectures, including trade-off studies balancing performance, cost, time, and risk.
- Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Bring together specialists in antennas, RF components, signal processing, electronics, firmware, and software to deliver cohesive system solutions.
- Customer Engagement: Represent the technical solution to customers and stakeholders, providing briefings, technical justifications, and system roadmaps.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Engineering Manager and Project Manager to align delivery with project milestones and quality standards.
- Innovation: Contribute to the development of new RF system concepts, supporting early-stage innovation, proof-of-principle activities, and feasibility studies.
- Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and inspire engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
Essential Requirements:
- Strong background in RF systems engineering, particularly in Radar and/or Electronic Warfare domains (or related).
- Understanding of RF subsystems, including antennas, front-end electronics, signal processing chains, and system integration.
- Proven track record of system design, trade-off analysis, and performance modelling.
- Experience developing early-stage concepts into technology demonstrators or operational prototypes.
- Excellent communication skills with experience in customer-facing roles and technical presentations.
- Strong collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams or acting as a technical authority.
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of EM, RF, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and RF simulation/modelling tools.
- Experience with either Radar or electronic warfare techniques and military threat environments.
- Understanding of system-level testing and validation of RF systems.
- Familiarity with defence standards and system engineering frameworks (e.g., DOORS, SysML, NAF).
Why BAE Systems:
Build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Benefit from lifelong learning, meaningful work, and rewards tailored to your needs. Enjoy support for your financial and personal well-being, and a balanced lifestyle in an environment that embraces sustainable working practices and a strong sense of shared purpose. We foster a supportive culture where everyone can thrive and make a difference.
BAE Systems is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe diversity strengthens our teams and is vital to our success. We welcome applications from all candidates and provide full, fair, and open consideration. Reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process are available upon request.
Please be aware: Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may affect eligibility based on nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Higher levels of National Security Vetting may be required for specific roles, typically involving 5-10 years of continuous UK residency.