< Back to search
Airbus • Portsmouth, United Kingdom

RF Test Manager

Employment type:  Full time
< Back to search
9.4

/10

Transparency ranking

Apply now

Job Description

Job Description:

SECURITY CLEARANCE: SC

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional travel within UK & Europe

LOCATION: Portsmouth

TYPE: Full time

At Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth, we’re shaping the future of communications and space technology. Our RF test organisation (as a key part of the wider AIT - Assembly, Integration and Test team) ensures that every payload we deliver performs flawlessly in orbit - and we’re now looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of RF Test to lead this critical capability.

In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee all RF testing activities across multiple space programmes, including RF preparation tasks for telecoms payloads testing and ensuring that test systems solutions are developed on time, on cost & on quality (including Product Regulatory Compliance, where appropriate). You’ll lead a team of skilled engineers, driving operational performance, technical excellence and continuous improvement in one of Europe’s most advanced RF test environments.

You’ll define the vision and strategy for RF test, ensuring safe, efficient and on-time delivery of complex test campaigns. Working closely with Engineering, Quality and Programme teams you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring that our spacecraft meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative leader who combines deep technical knowledge with strong people and operational management skills:

  • Experience in RF testing within aerospace, defence or high-reliability communication systems
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex operational environments
  • Understanding of RF test principles, measurement systems and payload performance validation
  • Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
  • Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronic or Communications Engineering
  • Experience of regulatory compliance requirements


WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

  • Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
  • Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working (aligned with business / role needs), up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy holiday
  • Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
  • Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop
  • Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
  • Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)


Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight ( #ZEROe ) to cleaning up space , sustainability is at the heart of our purpose . So what's your next change?

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

Apply today and help us make it fly!

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:
Permanent
-------

Experience Level:
Professional

Job Family:
Manufacturing Engineering

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com .

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Company benefits

Open to part-time employees
Open to job sharing
Annual bonus
Enhanced maternity leave
Open to compressed hours
Accrued annual leave
Sabbaticals
Enhanced sick pay
Adoption leave
Health insurance
Enhanced paternity leave
Family health insurance
Complimentary Medical Services
Referral bonus
Bike parking
Cycle to work scheme
On-site gym
Teambuilding days
In house training
Employee discounts

Working at Airbus

Company employees

150,000

Gender diversity (male:female)

70:30

Currently hiring in

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Malaysia

Mexico

Netherlands

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Korea

Spain

Taiwan

Thailand

United Kingdom

United States

Office Locations

Awards & Accreditations

1st – Work-Life Balance

1st – Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2025
3rd – Career Progression

3rd – Career Progression

Flexa awards 2025
Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Flexa awards 2025
Flexible

Flexible

Flexa awards 2025

Other jobs you might like