RF Hardware Design Engineer — DataWise Solutions Ltd

Salary: Up to £40,000 pro-rata (£64,000+ full-time equivalent) Hours: Part-time, 20–30 hrs/week (flexible — see below) Location: Remote (UK-based) Ref: DWS-JD-RFE-002

Before you apply — please read carefully

This role requires hands-on RF hardware design experience at PCB level. If your background is primarily in telecoms field engineering, network optimisation, software development, or systems administration, this role is not a match and your application will not be progressed.

SC security clearance eligibility is a hard requirement. You must be a British national with a clear, unencumbered path to SC clearance. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About the role

This is a genuinely unusual opportunity for an experienced RF hardware engineer who wants to build something from scratch without the constraints of a large organisation.

DataWise Solutions Ltd is a UK defence technology SME specialising in UAV datalinks and live video transmission systems, with products deployed on aerial target platforms in service with multiple customers. We are now developing our first own-IP hardware product — a radar-based sensing payload for low-altitude UAV operation — and we're looking for someone to lead that programme from concept through to a first saleable unit over a 18–24 month programme.

You'll work directly with the Director, make real engineering decisions, and have genuine ownership of the product. There are no layers of management, no bureaucracy, and no shortage of interesting problems.

A note on flexibility

We're realistic about what talented engineers want from their careers. Whether you're looking for 20 hours a week or a full week, we're open to discussing a working pattern that suits the right person. The salary reflects this — up to £40,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £64,000+ full-time). The work matters more than the schedule.

What you'll be doing

• Leading all RF hardware design activities for a radar sensing payload programme
• Defining system requirements, link budgets, waveform parameters and performance targets
• Designing and simulating RF front-end architectures including antenna, T/R circuitry and signal processing chains
• Schematic capture and RF PCB layout, with responsibility for signal integrity, grounding and EMC
• Building, integrating and testing prototype hardware through to a field-deployable unit
• Developing and executing structured test plans including bench, ground and airborne trials
• Supporting our existing live video transmission product line and providing RF expertise across the business
• Producing technical documentation to a standard suitable for regulatory and customer review

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Physics or related discipline
• Hands-on RF hardware design experience at PCB level — schematic through to physical build and test
• Proficiency with professional RF test equipment: VNA, spectrum analyser, signal generator, oscilloscope
• Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, CST, HFSS, MATLAB or equivalent)
• SC clearance eligibility — British national, no unresolved visa conditions
• Self-starter comfortable working autonomously with minimal oversight

Desirable:

• Experience with radar or RF sensing systems — please highlight this clearly if it applies
• Defence or aerospace sector experience, particularly UAV or airborne systems
• EMC testing and compliance experience (MIL-STD-461, DO-160 or equivalent)
• Experience with embedded signal processing or FPGA-based radar backends

What we offer

• Flexible hours and working pattern — genuinely negotiable, not just on paper
• Primarily remote working
• Salary up to £40,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £64,000+ full-time)
• Direct access to the Director and real influence over product direction
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus UK bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Expenses covered for field activities and travel

Is this role for you?

This will suit someone with solid RF hardware design experience — perhaps from a defence prime, a radar or sensing company, or a research environment — who now wants to build something rather than maintain it, and who values autonomy over hierarchy. We don't mind whether you're looking for 3 days a week or 5. We care about the quality of the person and the quality of the work.

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering note to careers@datawiseuk.com quoting ref DWS-JD-RFE-002. Applications without a CV will not be considered. We do not use recruitment agencies for this role.

DataWise Solutions Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexitime
• Work from home

Work Location: Remote