Antenna Design Engineer - RF Seeker

Role Title: Antenna Design Engineer - Radio Frequency Seeker Location: Stevenage Job Type: Permanent Security Clearance: SC Clearance (without restrictions) The Opportunity We have a fantastic opportunity to join our clients Seeker and Datalink Systems team as an Antenna Designer / Specialist, the successful candidate will join a dynamic team to develop antennas for Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) and wideband passive sensors, where the successful candidate will contribute in the delivery of new seeker products. We are looking for an Radio Frequency (RF) professional with broad skills in Antenna design including simulation, prototyping and measurement, for a wide range of antenna types, with experience in the post-processing of data in Matlab to apply beamforming and Direction of Arrival estimation techniques. The Role The role encompasses the detailed design of novel Antennas for the next generation of multimode seekers based on AESA and wideband passive sensors for Anti-Radiation Modes (ARM) and cooperative and non-cooperative bi-static radar. Such designs are looking to exploit the latest developments in meta-materials, additive layer manufacturing and high impedance laminates. This position involves the design and development of novel antenna sub-system solutions to support higher level product developments, whilst constrained by limited available physical space and a harsh operating environment (vibration, shock, thermal, etc.) to meet customer specifications and requirements. Electromagnetic modelling, primarily undertaken HFSS although the department has access to CST Studio Suite and FEKO, will involve undertaking complex simulations of antenna arrays in the presence of the Radome and other components such as EO/IR sensors. The results from simulations and measurements will be post-processed in Matlab where beamforming and Direction of Arrival estimation techniques can be applied enabling an assessment of the performance against the design goals defined by the missile guidance requirements. Further, the role involves overseeing the transition of development hardware into series production, including robustness testing and qualification testing. Support production by performing technical investigations to provide data for problem assessment, design improvements and support development of solutions to technical issues. The role will also involve making technical contributions where extensive and diversified knowledge of antenna principles are necessary; assisting less experienced members of the team as required. You would work closely with RF Engineers, Seeker Systems team, EO & IR Sensor team and the Guidance, Control and Navigation team, along with other related teams such as Component Engineering, PCB Design/Layout, Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing. Businesses must continuously improve and our client is no exception. Identification and implementation of improvement activities and research into the latest technology trends will be part of the role. The activities of the role may span the international boundary and encompass our French and Italian colleagues which will involve the need for international travel What's in it for you? This role provides a unique opportunity to apply your skills within a growing company and multi-skilled team. Exposure to complex and technologically advanced projects and products provides a stimulating experience. Working with highly talented and motivated engineers, in a friendly and supportive environment, provides one of the best environments to further career aspirations and achieve a real feeling of success. What's great about our clients team? Seeker and Datalink Systems is a multi-disciplined, dynamic team, focussed on achieving complex designs to demanding timescales and providing a product that can be used to meet the needs of all our projects. You will gain experience in seeker technologies and hardware engineering design and integration practices. You will be involved in various stages of seeker development from the concept stage through hardware design, development, proving including manufacture. There will be opportunities for travel both within the UK and abroad in support of seeker design, integration and manufacture. The successful candidate will be joining an established dynamic and focussed design team that has a range of skills and experience. The team benefits from a regular intake of graduates and apprentice through a variety of short placements in the various projects and disciplines and offers yearlong industrial placements for undergraduates, many of which choose to accept permanent positions within the team on completion of their training. The team have a common goal for the delivery of seeker hardware solutions that meets the customer's requirements. The project offers the successful candidate the opportunity to work with a specialist team and technologies. What are we looking for? You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience across a range of RF skills, preferably specialising in antennas and EM propagation. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of microwave frequencies; UHF and frequencies in excess of X-band an advantage. You will be able to demonstrate your use and knowledge of key tools: EM simulation such as CST or HFSS; preferable in a High-Performance Computing Cluster would be an advantage as well as data tools like Matlab and Mathcad. You will be able to demonstrate your experience with the characteristics and design of various antenna types. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge across a range of key principles, transmission line theory, impedance matching circuits and Radar Cross Section. You will have exposure to S-parameter measurements and antenna pattern measurements, using anechoic chambers in development and production lab environments observing ESD precautions and quality controls, including an ability to instruct external test houses, is essential. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of complete product development process preferably for defence products is desirable. You will be able to demonstrate ability to engage and influence a disparate range of stake holders, where you will use your interpersonal skills to work with internal and external stake holders What would you get? Flexible working, paid overtime (subject to level), a comprehensive pension scheme, employee funded voluntary private healthcare, sporting activities, fantastic site facilities, bonus schemes (subject to level) and superb learning and development opportunities. Our client is committed to providing an inclusive working environment where our employees can be themselves and everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. They value difference and know that a diverse community makes for greater innovation and brings a breadth of skills, experience and perspectives. Please Note: Our client requires all employees to achieve and maintain SC security clearance or above without restrictions that will inhibit the ability to fulfil the requirements of the role. Your eligibility for the appropriate level of security clearance may be discussed with you during the recruitment process. Any existing clearance holders may be able to transfer clearance (subject to approval). This vacancy is being advertised by Sitec.