Contract Rf Engineer

Description:

BeamGrid Technologies Ltd, a pioneering startup operating at the intersection of RF engineering, antennas, and advanced sensing technologies, is seeking a highly skilled Contract RF Engineer with expertise in passive RF resonators for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). This is a high-impact short-term role for an innovative engineer capable of rapidly designing, prototyping, and validating sensor solutions that enable low-cost, maintenance-free detection of stress, strain, and cracks in critical infrastructure.

In this role, the engineer will take ownership of design, simulation, and prototyping of resonator-based SHM sensors using structures such as split-ring, complementary SRR/CSRR, spiral/interdigital, chipless RFID, and metamaterial-inspired geometries. Responsibilities will include developing EM and multiphysics models using tools such as HFSS, CST Studio Suite, FEKO, or COMSOL Multiphysics, co-designing with mechanical/materials teams, prototyping on PCB or 3D-printed dielectrics, and conducting rapid test iterations. The engineer will also execute interrogation experiments with VNA/SDR/custom RF front-ends, perform resonance analysis, and document test results clearly and comprehensively.

The ideal candidate will have:

• MSc/PhD in RF Engineering, Antennas, Applied Physics, or related discipline.

• Proven experience in passive RF resonator design (SRR, CSRR, spiral, interdigital, or chipless RFID).

• Advanced skills in full-wave EM simulation and hands-on lab work (VNA calibration, S-parameter measurement, fixture design).

• Familiarity with SHM concepts and experience in sensor integration with materials like composites, metals, and concrete.

• Ability to analyse data effectively and produce professional reports.

Additional desirable expertise includes exposure to RFID/IoT sensing, wireless coupling, signal processing/ML for RF data analysis, and prior experience in startups or Innovate UK/EU-funded projects.

Success in the first two months will be defined by delivering at least two resonator designs that meet target specifications, fabricating and characterising a working prototype with sensitivity metrics, and producing a structured test plan with supporting documentation.

What BeamGrid Offers:

• The chance to contribute to pioneering SHM technology with real-world industrial impact.

• Flexible working arrangements (remote-first with occasional lab/site visits).

• Collaboration with a high-calibre RF and antennas team.

• Opportunity for contract extension based on milestones.