Chief Engineer - Directed Energy / High Power RF

Chief Engineer - High Power RF / Directed Energy

Location: Chelmsford, Essex (Hybrid - 2 days onsite)
Rate: £800 - £1000 per day (Inside IR35)

SC Cleared

12 Month Contract

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Chief Engineer to act as a technical authority within high-power RF and directed energy systems.

This is not a traditional delivery role tied to a single product. Instead, you will operate across a portfolio of customer-funded research and development programmes, shaping capability, guiding technical direction, and supporting the development of next-generation high-power sub-systems.

Due to the specialist nature of the work, we are open to individuals looking for either a permanent position or a short-term/advisory engagement.

The Role

You will provide technical leadership across high-power and RF sub-systems, supporting activity from early concept through to demonstration and low-rate production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the technical authority for high-power / RF sub-systems
• Guiding and supervising the development of directed energy technologies
• Supporting the definition, shaping, and delivery of R&D programmes
• Engaging with customers, partners, and stakeholders across the defence ecosystem
• Influencing future capability and technology direction
• Mentoring and developing early-career engineers

This role sits within a fast-paced, research-led environment where the ability to operate with ambiguity and define solutions is essential.

About You

You may come from academia, government, defence, or relevant commercial industry, but you will be recognised as a subject matter expert in your field.

You will bring:

• A strong network across defence, including experience engaging with government stakeholders, user communities, or supply chain organisations
• The ability to influence technical direction and translate operational needs into engineering solutions

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