Defence & National Security RF Communications Lead

Cambridge Consultants

OVERVIEW This internship focuses on advanced defence and security technology development. The role is suited to a PhD-level researcher with strong technical grounding in software security, cyber technologies, and embedded or distributed systems. This placement can be between 3- and 6-months duration with a flexible start date, and is suitable for PhD students who have completed their first year of study. There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.   WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING * Contribute to research and development of secure systems across defence and security domains. * Support the creation of novel security technologies, including areas such as threat landscaping, post-quantum cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and trusted execution approaches. * Investigate and prototype embedded and distributed software for constrained, safety-critical, or adversarial environments. * Perform threat analysis, security architecture reviews, and experimental validation of new techniques. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams covering software, electronics, RF, AI, autonomy, and communications. * Participate in full lifecycle development activities, including design, implementation, testing, and documentation.   WHAT YOU CAN BRING Current PhD study in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline. You will also have: * A background in software or hardware engineering, with a demonstrable interest in cybersecurity research. * Knowledge of one or more programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, Go, or similar. * The ability to undertake technical investigations and communicate findings clearly. * Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance.   Desirable experience: * Experience in embedded software development or hardware–software interactions. * Experience in security for IoT, robotics, autonomy, or smart infrastructure. * An understanding of regulatory or assurance environments for security-critical systems.   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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.   WORKING ENVIRONMENT A successful intern will work within the Defence and Security business unit, engaging with experienced engineers and researchers on high‑impact client and internal R&D projects. Work may involve both on‑site and laboratory‑based activities.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION   The Defence & Security Business Unit is responsible for delivering designs that range from small RF sub-modules through to complete wireless systems. The engineering teams work alongside other disciplines to deliver these services to clients and are therefore fortunate to work closely with a wide range of groups across the company.   As an RF Engineer, with support from your mentors and peers, you will participate in the development of new ground-breaking wireless products, from initial concept through to product specification and verification across defence & security sector. This placement can be between 3- and 6-months duration with a flexible start date, and is suitable for PhD students who have completed their first year of study. There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.      WHAT WE CAN OFFER   The role involves contributing to RF systems design, antenna development, board-level RF circuit design and design validation of our clients’ products.   You will have the opportunity to work on ground-breaking wireless designs, for example:   * Communication systems * Radar systems * Force protection systems    Some of your responsibilities will include:   * System design, propagation modelling, protocol design * Field experiments to validate concepts * PCB level RF circuit design and laboratory-based design validation   * Development of system models * Antenna modelling using our sophisticated design tools * Participate in the regulatory approval and/or field based design validation * As required, present designs, results and conclusions    * Work as part of a close-knit, multi-disciplinary project team focused on delivering design solutions to our clients     WHAT YOU CAN BRING   We are looking for someone with a degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering, electronics, computer science, mathematics, or physics and currently studying towards a relevant PhD. You’re someone who:    * Has an interest in electronics hardware design and radio frequency design.    * Communicates effectively and enjoys working as part of a team.   * Is passionate about current technology and stays up to date with new developments.    Developing innovative and imaginative solutions requires an inquisitive approach and a willingness to tackle complex problems. You should be keen to learn new skills and open to new approaches. Good oral and written communication skills will be key to interacting effectively within Cambridge Consultants and our clients’ organisations.     Experience with any of the following would be advantageous, though not essential:   * Knowledge of wireless communication systems   * Competence in driving RF test equipment   * Programming with Python * Understanding a Smith chart   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role will require you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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 ensure your CV includes your A Level (or equivalent) subjects and grades, as well as any relevant university modules. Covering statements are advantageous though by no means a necessity.     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION   The Defence & Security Business Unit is responsible for delivering designs that range from small RF sub-modules through to complete wireless systems. The engineering teams work alongside other disciplines to deliver these services to clients and are therefore fortunate to work closely with a wide range of groups across the company.   As an RF Engineer, with support from your mentors and peers, you will participate in the development of new ground-breaking wireless products, from initial concept through to product specification and verification across defence & security sector. The placement will last 12 weeks. Successful candidates should be available to start their placement between May and October 2026. There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.        WHAT WE CAN OFFER   The role involves contributing to RF systems design, antenna development, board-level RF circuit design and design validation of our clients’ products.   You will have the opportunity to work on ground-breaking wireless designs, for example:   * Communication systems * Radar systems * Force protection systems    Some of your responsibilities will include:   * System design, propagation modelling, protocol design * Field experiments to validate concepts * PCB level RF circuit design and laboratory-based design validation   * Development of system models * Antenna modelling using our sophisticated design tools * Participate in the regulatory approval and/or field based design validation * As required, present designs, results and conclusions    * Work as part of a close-knit, multi-disciplinary project team focused on delivering design solutions to our clients     WHAT YOU CAN BRING   We are looking for someone with a degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering, electronics, computer science, mathematics, or physics. You’re someone who:    * Has an interest in electronics hardware design and radio frequency design.    * Communicates effectively and enjoys working as part of a team.   * Is passionate about current technology and stays up to date with new developments.    Developing innovative and imaginative solutions requires an inquisitive approach and a willingness to tackle complex problems. You should be keen to learn new skills and open to new approaches. Good oral and written communication skills will be key to interacting effectively within Cambridge Consultants and our clients’ organisations.     Experience with any of the following would be advantageous, though not essential:   * Knowledge of wireless communication systems   * Competence in driving RF test equipment   * Programming with Python * Understanding a Smith chart   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role will require you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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 ensure your CV includes your A Level (or equivalent) subjects and grades, as well as any relevant university modules. Covering statements are advantageous though by no means a necessity.     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------