
Cambridge Consultants · United Kingdom
INTRODUCTION The Defence & Security Business Unit is responsible for delivering designs that range from small RF sub-modules through to complete wireless sys...
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats. CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com [https://www.chaosinc.com]. Role Overview: CHAOS is seeking a Staff RF Engineer with deep expertise in RF circuit design to lead the design, analysis, integration, and verification of high-reliability RF and microwave electronics for aerospace and defense applications. This role works as part of a cross-functional, agile development team and spans the full product lifecycle, from early architecture and component trade studies through detailed design, testing, production support, and post-production sustainment of mission-critical systems. The ideal candidate is an experienced RF circuit designer with strong hands-on experience across RF boards, MMIC-based designs, packaging constraints, and test environments, and can provide sound technical judgment when balancing performance, risk, manufacturability, and schedule. This is a full-time, on-site position in Hawthorne, CA. Responsibilities: * Lead design, analysis, prototyping, and tuning of RF circuit boards incorporating catalog MMICs, including LNAs, power amplifiers, baluns, filters, mixers, and associated bias and matching networks * Perform architecture development and component trade studies to meet system-level RF performance requirements * Develop schematics, layouts, and design documentation in accordance with customer requirements, aerospace standards, and internal design practices * Conduct linear, nonlinear, and electromagnetic simulations using industry-standard tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, AWR, or equivalent) * Support PCB layout (Altium) and RF stack-up definition, including impedance control, grounding, shielding, and isolation techniques * Plan and execute RF testing and characterization, including integration and troubleshooting at the board, module, and subsystem levels * Contribute to the design and specification of RF test equipment, fixtures, and automation * Collaborate with systems, power, digital, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure RF designs integrate cleanly within larger systems * Serve as a technical contributor from development through production and post-production, including failure analysis and field support Minimum Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 8+ years of progressively responsible RF engineering experience * Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, defense, avionics, radar, EW, communications, or space systems * Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, including gain, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, stability, and impedance matching * Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (e.g., VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters) * Demonstrated ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex RF circuit performance issues * Strong attention to detail and ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, development-focused environments * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance Preferred Requirements: * Advanced Degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related discipline * Experience with power amplifier design, analysis, and integration * Familiarity with EMI/EMC considerations for RF systems and compliance with applicable aerospace standards * Experience with mixed-signal or RF/digital interfaces * Knowledge of manufacturing considerations for RF hardware, including tolerance analysis and yield drivers * Experience supporting production hardware and fielded systems * Experience with RF PCB layout best practices and design-for-manufacturing considerations * Familiarity with DO-160, MIL-STD-461, or similar aerospace/defense standards * Familiarity with RF antenna design principles Why CHAOS? * Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company * Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more * Our Perks: Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code * Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses * Team Growth: 250 employees and counting across 5 global offices $150k-210k The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECRUITING AGENCIES: CHAOS INDUSTRIES DOES NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED RESUMES OR OUTREACH. UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR COMPENSATED. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #LI-onsite
WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT As the Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler, you will own the physics simulation pipeline that connects our gyrotron sources to plasma performance. You will model the propagation, polarization, and absorption of millimeter waves in the Alpha stellarator guiding the design choices that determine how effectively we heat the plasma. You will sit at the interface between plasma physics, RF engineering, and systems design, working closely with the ECRH design lead, electromagnetic engineers, and academic partners to ensure that simulation insight drives hardware decisions. You will establish the simulation baseline by running ray-tracing and beam-tracing codes across the Alpha operating space, validating these against W7-X experimental data so that the results can drive the design of the Alpha ECRH launcher and gyrotron designs. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Run ray-tracing and beam-tracing simulations of EC wave propagation and absorption using codes such as TRAVIS, RAYTRAX and more complex beam or full wave model codes * Develop an integrated modeling framework that couples wave deposition to transport codes, enabling temperature and density profile optimization and validation of the heating scenario performance * Build and maintain Python-based post-processing pipelines to automate scenario scanning and interface simulation outputs with the Alpha integrated design framework * Model Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) and assess its ability to modify rotational transform and equilibrium in the Alpha quasi-isodynamic configuration * Contribute to design reviews, interface control documents, and technical reports to ensure simulation results are traceable and actionable WHO YOU ARE * PhD (or equivalent demonstrated expertise) in plasma physics, applied physics, or a related field, with a focus on plasma-wave interactions or RF heating of magnetically confined plasmas * Hands-on experience with at least one EC propagation or absorption code (TRAVIS, TORBEAM, C3PO, IPF-FD3D, or similar) * Proficiency in Python for simulation scripting, data analysis, and visualization; comfort reading and modifying legacy Fortran or C/C++ code * Systems-thinking mindset: able to translate physics outputs into engineering requirements and hardware constraints * Strong team player, comfortable working across physics and engineering disciplines and with external academic partners INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at Level 2 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.