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RF Research Engineer
RF Research Engineer — Permanent
Location: Reading, United Kingdom Ref No: R0316582
About the Role
Join Thales, a global technology leader with over 83,000+ employees and a strong UK presence of 7,500+, working at the intersection of defence, space, aerospace and digital security. This exciting RF Research Engineer position with our cutting-edge Research & Technology (TRT) team offers the opportunity to:
- Develop innovative RF concepts and proof-of-concept demonstrators
- Explore next-gen technologies for future defence and security capabilities
- Drive feasibility studies, prototypes and system integration
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams
About Thales Research & Technology
Thales Research & Technology (TRT) underpins our innovation pipeline across defence, aerospace, security and digital domains. Our hands-on engineers prototype, test and refine technologies that define tomorrow’s solutions.
** Key Points**
- No two projects are identical
- Technical challenges draw from military communications, radar, electronic warfare, wireless IoT and more
- Ideal for engineers passionate about pushing boundaries with real-world impact
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Primary Responsibilities
Core Technical Duties
- Design and evaluate RF system prototypes, ensuring feasibility analysis through simulations and bench testing
- Simulate with tools like ADS (PathWave), Microwave Office or HFSS, and model LNAs, PAs, VCOs and filters
- Develop discrete RF components (focused on UHF/VHF) that integrate into larger communication architectures
- Drive stable performance through hands-on RF lab work, VNA, spectrum analysers and signal generator assessments
- Explore high-growth areas like S-band/C-band digital radio or antenna/networking technologies
- Collaborate closely with hardware/high-level architects and dev team to iterate designs in support of mission goals
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Innovation & Execution Focus
- Investigate emerging technologies (e.g. modular polarisation, beam scanning or wideband modems)
- Reverse-engineer, optimise and industrialise viable solutions within ITAR-controlled frameworks
- Articulate insights to senior management and demonstrate high impact at industry partnership events
- Maintain alignment with long-term trends (e.g. hybrid networks, secure IoT)
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Ideal Candidate Profile
Required Technical Knowledge
- BSc/MSc degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field
- 3+ years experience in RF circuit/prototyping (UHF/VHF domain),
including:
- Design of passive/active RF components (e.g. filters, front-ends)
- Hands-on schematic/workflow development for PCB designs (Cadence preferred)
- Confident in simulation tools (ADS) and PCB tools ( Altium, KiCAD)
- Understanding of RF trade-offs, signal integrity and system integration
Experience Bonus Areas
- Military communications, tactical radios (G3924, NLOS, etc.)
- EMC/VE applications or EW countermeasures know-how
- Automation (Python, MATLAB) to streamline data analysis or testbeds
- Familiarity with R2K90 probes or Gig 어떤ity keyword search requests messaging
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Competencies & Culture Fit
- Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage rapid iteration cycles
- Strong team player who adapts to urgent scheduling or documentation changes
- Thrives in small team problem-solving—moving from a "difficult but achievable" challenge to repeatable sufficiency
- Is intrinsically motivated—enjoys tackling system-level gaps
- Understands ambiguous requirements/new process integration
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Benefits
Workplace Perks
- Performance-dependent bonus: % of salary (based on release diary)
- Pension scheme with employers’ contributions
- Flexible benefits including Friday half-day, paid volunteering leave and cycle-to-work
- Competitive healthcare, life cover and restorative wellbeing offerings (e.g. mental health app, 24/7 EAP)
- Shopper discounts across major brands and retailers (e.g. Apple, Hitch)
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Security Clearance:
Critical UK-Specific Requirement!
Allückte roles experience a formal UK Security Clearance (SC) process. To qualify:
- Be a UK national (which includes Irish passport holders)
- Non-citizens currently with IND temporary visas cannot apply except by the MOD for ITAR exceptions
- Five-year UK residence rule (at least 3 of last 5 years)
- Caveats-free clearance must be maintained throughout employment
Resources: UK shared security vetting guidelines
Why Join Thales?
We foster an inclusive environment where diversity, innovation, and impact drive success. We offer career growth in one of Europe’s public sector leaders—a role working on next-decade technologies that secure our nation’s health, communication, and defence interests.
For more, visit [[see final URL in post]].
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