RF Systems Lead Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 29, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 14, 2026. MBDA UK scores B on the Alion truth index.
At MBDA, we are continuing to grow our Data Link Systems organisation, providing a world leading missile data link capability. A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an RF Systems Lead Engineer. You will be responsible for leading data link systems engineering work on a new weapons system programme, interfacing with both suppliers and customers, and providing technical leadership for junior RF systems engineers.
Salary: Circa £57,500 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The opportunity:
As RF system lead engineer, you will be the main Data Links technical point of contact for a weapon system project. You will be responsible for coordinating the systems engineering aspects of the project, including supporting bids, defining the system architecture, and managing development activities such as requirements management, system modelling management, and system proving plans (V&V). You will lead a small team of RF systems engineers.
What we're looking for from you:
You will have an understanding of RF technologies, and system level design considerations for RF communication system. Ideally, you will be degree qualified in a STEM subject. You will have a strong background in systems engineering across the full product life cycle together with experience of managing suppliers. Customer facing skills are also highly desirable.
We’re looking for you to have an ability to work autonomously within a multi-skilled team with a good understanding and commitment to achieving project goals. You should also be able to perform technical investigations, provide problem assessments, and propose design solutions within a culture of innovative thinking.
We are looking for some of the following skills:
- Managing internal suppliers, and external suppliers
- Work package management
- Technical leadership of junior engineers
- Systems design methodologies
- Requirements definition and management
- Leading design reviews across the product lifecycle
- Overseeing the transition of development hardware into production
- Leading technical investigations
- Experience with proving and validation
- Configuration management
- Awareness of simulation tools: Architecture (SysML) / performance modelling (MATLAB)
- Experience working within an international team
- Understanding of RF communication principals and design
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given
MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
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