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Location: Great Baddow, UK (Flexible working: 2–3 days onsite per week)

Role Purpose

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

• 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).
• Lead the development of RF system architectures, including trade‑off studies balancing performance, cost, time and risk.
• Bring together specialists in antennas, RF components, signal processing, electronics, firmware and software to deliver cohesive system solutions.
• Represent the technical solution to customers and stakeholders, providing briefings, technical justifications and system roadmaps.
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager and Project Manager to align delivery with project milestones and quality standards.
• Contribute to the development of new RF system concepts, supporting early‑stage innovation, proof‑of‑principle activities and feasibility studies.
• Lead, mentor and inspire engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 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).

Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is desirable.

Further Information

• Occasional travel may be required to visit customer sites for demonstrations, installations, handovers or reviews.
• An SC level security clearance is required for this role, and candidates should already have, or be capable of obtaining UK SC clearance.

Why BAE Systems

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to ensure our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.

Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard and may require higher levels of National Security Vetting depending on residency requirements.

Division overview: Capabilities

At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, Capabilities is the engine that keeps the business moving forward. It is the largest area of Digital Intelligence, containing Engineering, Consulting and Project Management teams that design and implement defence solutions and digital transformation projects.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology