Systems Lead – RF, High-Speed Electronics & FPGA

Introduction summary We're looking for a hands-on technical specialist to join our Security and Defence, Systems and Technology team in Cambridge – someone who wants deep technical ownership of hard problems, not just a seat in a delivery team. This is a Defence & Security Business Unit role, working end to end across the product life cycle: from early concept, through prototyping, to new product introduction. The work is primarily for UK government defence and security clients, with scope to pick up projects for commercial and wider public sector clients too. You'll be trusted to run a project single-handedly when the scope calls for it, or to lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists and designers when it's bigger – and to move between the two as needed. We're after someone who is genuinely systemsy: broad enough to see how a project fits together, with real depth in at least one of FPGA, high-speed electronics, or RF. You'll be comfortable getting your hands dirty on the technical detail, and just as comfortable sitting in front of a client, drawing out what they actually need, and turning that into technical progress. What we can offer Variety, autonomy, and genuinely hard technical problems in a secure, mission-driven environment. You'll take ownership of the technical delivery of a project or workstream – sometimes alone, sometimes leading a team – and you'll have real license to shape how that work gets done. We care about more than getting the current project out the door. We want people who care about tooling, process, and the practices that make every project after this one better too – the kind of internal improvement that's easy to overlook but makes a real difference over time. You'll take on stakeholder leadership and coordination across a project – keeping a team of specialists aligned and moving – without the overhead of formal line management. And you'll always have experienced Programme Managers and Technical Authorities on hand to help you take on bigger, harder projects as you're ready for them. Your specific responsibilities will vary with your expertise but are likely to include: - Deep, hands-on technical work in your specialism (FPGA, high-speed electronics, or RF), with enough breadth to place that specialism in the context of the wider system - Leading the technical delivery of a project end to end – as a one-person effort where that's the right scale, or as technical lead of a multi-disciplinary, potentially multi-office team where it isn't - Capturing technical product requirements and resolving system-level trade-offs, drawing on a strong and broad technical background - Being the technical face of a project with clients: sitting down with client stakeholders, drawing their problems out of them, and turning that conversation into real technical progress – this isn't a sales role, but we believe the best way to win the next project is a good conversation about the current one - Stakeholder management across a project team – keeping specialists, Programme Managers, and clients aligned – without formal line-management responsibility - Supporting Project Managers on proposals and Business Developers on client relationships, primarily for UK-based government clients This role is based in our Cambridge office, with some domestic UK travel. We work hybrid, but given the nature of our government work, expect to spend the majority of your time on site in Cambridge. What you can bring … Deep technical skill in at least one of high-speed and/or RF electronics design, or FPGA development, backed by broad enough knowledge to connect your specialism to the wider system. Familiarity with the basics of Linux, networking, and computer security. Confidence writing software in Python and C/C++/Rust, for purposes from systems analysis and modelling to implementation. Strong time management, written and verbal communication, and organisational skills. A degree in engineering or a relevant scientific discipline (Electronics, Software, Physics, Chemistry, or Sensing Systems), with hands-on experience of product or system development in a team. Deep technical skill in at least one of high-speed and/or RF electronics design, embedded software, or FPGA development, backed by broad enough knowledge to connect your specialism to the wider system. Familiarity with the basics of Linux, networking, and computer security. Strong time management, written and verbal communication, and organisational skills. Our government client base is broad, so we'd also be very interested if you have any of the following: - UK Government security clearance - Comfort and prior experience working within a secure, cleared environment as a matter of course - Genuine confidence engaging directly with clients – happy to be put in front of a client, discuss their problem, and make good progress on the spot - A passion for innovation, and an interest in tooling and continuous improvement that goes beyond the immediate project - New product introduction / design for manufacture experience - Previous experience at a consulting / fee-for-service organisation - A strong desire to deliver outputs for Defence through Science and Technology - Existing knowledge of best practice in the development of products and systems - People skills and networks across the defence and security innovation ecosystem, including UK MOD, DSTL, Defence Innovation Unit and Innovation Hubs, and a range of security customers and Government departments - Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check, be willing to undertake UK government security clearance, and must be a UK passport holder Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check (SC) level security clearance ( United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria. Please be aware that, for roles requiring Security Check clearance, applicants will typically need to have been continuously resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to applying for this role in order to meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance. By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.