SAR Systems Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Radar Systems Engineer to work closely with universities, small companies and space agencies such as ESA on future microwave instrumentation and RF technologies. The role sits within Airbus Defence and Space’s Microwave Department, focusing on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments for Earth observation, planetary exploration and scientific missions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical proposals and studies for microwave instruments, especially SAR, lasting up to 14 months.
• Analyse, design and develop microwave instrument systems, ensuring alignment with customer requirements.
• Monitor study progress, resolve technical issues and drive change management across the company and customers.
• Oversee the full lifecycle from proposal preparation to delivery, managing schedules, design trade‑offs and work packages.
• Conduct peer reviews of studies, projects and proposals with fellow engineers.
• Support technical, industrial, commercial and contractual negotiations with customers.

Required profile

• Proven expertise in microwave instrument design with detailed knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar.
• Experience delivering technical studies, bid processes, proposal writing and gathering customer requirements.
• Willingness to collaborate with experts and share knowledge to create technology for future space missions.
• Eligibility to obtain UK SC Security Clearance.

Required skills

• Microwave instrument design
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Technical study and bid management
• Proposal development and documentation

What we offer

• Competitive salary with profit share, pension, share options and car leasing scheme.
• Hybrid working model, 37‑hour week, flexible core hours and up to 2 extra TOIL days per month.
• Personal development plan with unlimited access to 10,000+ e‑learning courses and international mobility.
• Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 online GP, mental health support, discounted health insurance and on‑site canteen.
• Family support such as enhanced parental leave (23 weeks at 100 % pay) and life assurance.
• Inclusive environment with wellbeing room, multi‑faith room and employee resource groups.