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RF Research Engineer
RF Research Engineer Location: Reading, United Kingdom Contract Type: Permanent Ref No: R0316582
Thales is a global technology leader with over 83,000 employees across five continents. With 7,500+ colleagues in the UK, we excel in defence, space, aerospace, and digital security—delivering cutting-edge solutions that shape a secure future. Based in Reading, this role offers an opportunity to contribute to game-changing research while innovating in radio-frequency (RF) technology for defence and security applications.
About the Role
Thales Research & Technology (TRT) is at the core of our UK innovation ecosystem, fostering future technologies that define next-gen systems across defence, aerospace, security, and digital solutions. As an RF Research Engineer, you’ll lead:
- Cutting-edge projects from feasibility studies to prototypes, exploring new RF concepts and proof-of-concept demonstrators.
- Independent research to drive next-generation capabilities, merging hands-on RF design with rapid prototyping and system integration.
- Collaborative problem-solving in a multidisciplinary team, focusing on emerging RF technologies and their applications.
Ideal for passionate RF engineers who thrive on solving complex challenges and want to shape the future of secure communications and military technologies.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop innovative RF concepts and proof-of-concept demonstrators for new capabilities.
- Design, simulate, prototype, and test discrete RF circuits (e.g., filters, LNAs, PAs, VCOs) and integrate them into wider communication systems.
- Conduct feasibility studies using analysis, modelling, rapid prototyping, and experimental validation.
- Research emerging RF technologies, assessing their applicability in Thales’ products and systems.
- Drive RF projects independently, from requirements definition to prototyping, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Continuously adapt to new technical challenges, balancing hands-on development with strategic research goals.
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Key Requirements & Skills
Essential Experience
- Strong RF engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience in high-frequency circuit design (VHF/UHF bands).
- Proven expertise in RF devices (e.g., filters, LNAs, PAs, VCOs, mixers) and signal processing.
- Experience using RF simulation tools such as:
- ADS (Agilent PathWave)
- Microwave Office
- HFSS (electromagnetic simulation)
- Proficiency in PCB CAD tools, particularly:
- Cadence
- Altium
- OrCAD
- (Knowledge of KiCAD is a plus)
- Familiarity with RF lab equipment, including:
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
Advantageous Experience
- Military communications, tactical radio systems, or electronic warfare application experience.
- Skills in RF integration, debugging, fault-finding, or verification:
- Circuit trace analysis
- Measurement-driven refinement
- Experience with S-band, C-band, or X-band RF systems.
- Ability to design and test antenna systems or radar sub-systems.
- Complementary skills in:
- Python, C, MATLAB
- Hardware-specific languages (e.g., Verilog, VHDL)
- System-level RF architecture modelling
Your Benefits
Thales fosters success and well-being beyond the office:
- Performance-based bonus (complimentary to salary)
- Car allowance (dependent on grade)
- Flexible work life: Half-day Fridays (finish ~1:00 PM)
- Generous leave:
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 40 extra hours/year (pro-rata)
- Healthcare: Private medical insurance (varies by grade)
- Pension and life insurance to secure your future
- Financial wellbeing:
- Access to UK Government-backed pension scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Support for personal growth:
- 24-hours paid volunteering leave
- Employees Assistance Programme (EAP) + mental wellbeing app
- Discount initiatives: Access to employee shopping schemes nationwide
- Gym membership discounts via partnerships
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Security Clearance Requirement
This role requires UK Security Clearance (SC) without caveats.
- Candidate must be a UK national.
- Ideally, holders of existing SC are encouraged to apply.
- Non-citizen applicants may be considered with previous MOD approval and long-term residency (e.g., 5 years in the UK).
- For full SC eligibility check eligibility criteria here. (Thales administers vetting through UK Security Vetting [UKSV] or MoD.)
Thales Commitment
🌟 Equality, diversity, and inclusion — Thales values innovation through diversity. We offer equal pay, adaptable working conditions, and initiatives supporting transparency and well-being. 🌟 Talent Networks — Join our Talent Community for exploring broader opportunities. 🌟 Innovation Culture — Whether digital transformation or global strategic projects, our culture nurtures curiosity and real-world impact.
Why Join Thales? Innovate with a global leader, influencing defence technology today—and shaping tomorrow’s missions. Ready to onward and upward? Join us at Thales!
Career opportunities via email at careers@thalesgroup.com.
#LI-AS1 Accommodation grants may be available; contact your local recruiter for qualifications.
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