Principal RF Engineer

Exciting Opportunity for a Principal RF Engineer – Join Our Client’s Cutting-Edge Space-Based Geolocation Team

Our Client operates at the forefront of the aerospace and defence industry, specialising in innovative RF geolocation systems utilised in real-world operational contexts. Renowned for fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous development, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of satellite-based sensing technology. This organisation offers a stimulating environment for professionals passionate about making a tangible impact through pioneering engineering solutions.

Role Overview

Due to strategic growth and system enhancement initiatives, our Client is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to lead advancements in their operational satellite geolocation capability. This critical role involves refining and expanding a sophisticated RF geolocation system that already serves active customers. The engineer will be instrumental in troubleshooting, optimising, and extending complex algorithms underpinning the system’s accuracy and performance, directly contributing to critical mission success.

The position offers an exceptional chance to work on a mission-critical, real-world system, applying advanced estimation techniques within a collaborative, innovation-driven team. The successful candidate will enjoy a role that combines deep technical expertise with tangible operational impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of and enhance TDOA, FDOA, and AoA geolocation algorithms, transforming mathematical insights into practical, high-performance code.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the existing system architecture, identifying opportunities to optimise and improve geolocation accuracy.
• Develop robust calibration routines for timing, frequency, and antenna alignment across a multi-satellite constellation.
• Analyse system outputs, compare against known ground truths, and diagnose sources of error such as orbital uncertainties, clock drift, and environmental propagation effects.
• Incorporate orbital mechanics and satellite dynamics into signal models to improve estimation precision.
• Conduct performance assessments through simulations and data analysis, translating insights into iterative algorithm improvements.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate enhanced algorithms into production environments, reviewing and validating implementations.
• Extend system capabilities by designing solutions for new measurement types, constellation configurations, and operational scenarios.
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and performance metrics to support mission reviews and technical validation.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, with a focus on estimation theory or statistical signal processing.
• Strong background in estimation, detection theory, linear algebra, and optimisation techniques.
• Proven hands-on experience with algorithm development and real-world implementation, particularly in Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work with imperfect datasets, employing pragmatic engineering solutions.
• Familiarity with RF propagation physics, signal models for TDOA, FDOA, and AoA estimation, and satellite orbit mechanics.
• Ability to interpret and critique existing codebases, with a mindset geared towards optimisation and system improvement.
• Experience in analysing complex geolocation systems, preferably within aerospace, defence, or intelligence sectors.
• Knowledge of RF system calibration protocols, satellite dynamics, or similar fields is desirable.

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior work on TDOA, FDOA, or hybrid geolocation techniques.
• Background in SIGINT, electronic warfare, or passive radar signal processing.
• Experience with spaceborne RF systems, phased array antennas, or satellite constellation design.
• C++ familiarity for code review and validation purposes.
• Experience within defence, security, or aerospace environments.

Join Our Client’s Innovative Team

This is a unique opportunity for a technically adept RF geolocation expert to influence a world-class satellite system. You will work within a dynamic, remote-capable team of specialists committed to operational excellence. The position offers professional growth, exciting technical challenges, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge space-based sensing solutions.

If you have the required expertise and a passion for advancing satellite RF geolocation, we invite you to submit your CV. Be part of a pioneering organisation shaping the future of space-based RF intelligence.

We look forward to hearing from suitable candidates who meet these criteria and are eager to make a significant impact in the aerospace and defence sector.