Principal RF Hardware Engineer

We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision‑making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 200 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest‑growing engineering businesses.

About the role

As part of this journey, we are expanding our RF hardware capability to design and deliver advanced wireless sensing and communication systems across Research and Product.

This function designs and delivers RF and mixed‑signal hardware platforms that enable sensing, communications, and signal processing in demanding environments. These systems combine analogue RF front‑end design, high‑speed data conversion, and software‑defined radio architectures to create adaptable and high‑performance sensing platforms.

As a Principal RF Hardware Engineer, you will design and deliver the analogue and mixed‑signal hardware that underpins these systems. You will work across the full RF signal chain, from antenna interfaces and RF front‑end design through to ADC/DAC integration and SDR platform bring‑up.

This is a hands‑on engineering role working closely with RF, FPGA, embedded software, and machine learning engineers to translate system requirements into robust hardware implementations. You will play a key role in developing RF systems that are reliable, efficient and deployable in complex operational environments.

While this role offers hybrid working options, it requires a minimum of 3 days per week on‑site at our Bristol HQ, with occasional travel to customer sites.

Relocation Assistance: A relocation support package is available for eligible candidates.

Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels