RF/Digital SDR Integration Engineer (KTP Associate)

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated RF/digital engineer to join a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between PNTaaS Ltd and Heriot-Watt University.

The role represents an opportunity to shape the development of advanced RF and digital Software Defined Radio (SDR) solutions for satellite signals of opportunity (SoOP) based Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. The successful Associate will be at the heart of the project, working alongside Heriot-Watt to develop PNT systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. This role will suit someone who thrives at bridging cutting-edge academic knowledge with real-world industrial applications.

The successful appointee shall be based at PNTaaS’s premises on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Research Campus. and will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh.

As a KTP Associate you will receive training as part of a cohort, training on PNTaaS systems and processes, training time and £4,000 budget for personal development.

This is a fixed-term appointment for 24 months. Subject to satisfactory performance, there may be an opportunity for a permanent position with PNTaaS Ltd at the end of the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Hardware and firmware development for integrated RF front-end solutions for Ku, Ka, and C band applications.
• RF PCB design, development and validation.
• Present technical work at internal/external meetings and external conferences.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in RF, satellite communication and PNT systems.
• Take a leading role in project management and reporting; resource planning and budgeting; and stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Ensure alignment between academic innovation and industrial requirements.
• Contribute to broader activities across both organisations, including professional development initiatives, as appropriate.
• Actively participate in the activities of the wider business as a full member of the PNTaaS Team.

As a KTP Associate, you will be part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme and entitled to specialist management training alongside other Associates, protected time for self-development and a professional development budget, which will be valuable to career development beyond the project.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• BEng/MEng in electronics
• Good understanding of the processes and challenges associated with RF and Microwave hardware implementation
• Practical experience of applying the specialist skills and techniques required for the role
• Effective communication, report preparation, time management to meet deadlines
• Flexibility to travel for meetings
• Must be prepared to work as part of a team
• Ability to contribute to method improvement where required

Desirable

• MSc/MEng./MS or PhD in electronics or related subject
• Understanding of the PNT industry
• Experience related to RF & Microwave Engineering, Wireless Communications, RF circuit design, Antenna design
• Familiarity with RF modelling and circuit design tools such as CST Microwave Studio, Keysight ADS, and Matlab
• Familiarity with embedded firmware development tools, and programming languages including C/C++, Python
• Experience in operating RF measurement and characterisation equipment such as vector network analysers (VNAs),
• Spectrum/Signal Analysers, RF Signal generators, and similar
• Experience in the development of RF Printed Circuit Boards
• Familiarity with PCB design software like Altium Designer, KiCad, or similar
• Experience with satellite communication subsystems
• Experience of collaborative research or working in a team
• Experience working in industry is desirable, specifically within the electronic engineering sector

To transfer and embed knowledge on antennae design to support development of an alternative Position, Navigation and Time service.

This project is embedded at PNTaaS and fulfils a critical need at PNTaaS. The Associate will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot-Watt University to PNTaaS and contribute to market growth for the business. This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the PNTaaS team on hands-on antenna, RF and digital development, laboratory testing, and close collaboration with academic and industry teams.