Description
We are looking for a Senior RF Communications Engineer for our client to take ownership of communication system performance on unmanned aerial system platforms.
In this role, you will lead the design, integration, verification, and optimisation of reliable communication solutions.
You will be responsible for developing reliable command-and-control, telemetry, video and data-link architectures while working with advanced RF technologies, tactical communication systems, MIMO and MANET networks, directional and electronically steered antenna solutions, and SATCOM.
Key responsibilities
Define communication solutions using primary, backup, contingency and emergency communication paths.Convert operational requirements into technical specifications covering range, bandwidth, latency, reliability and degraded communication scenarios.Perform RF link analysis, propagation modelling, interference evaluation and system margin calculations.Integrate and configure tactical radios, antennas, SATCOM equipment, tracking systems and IP communication solutions.Lead antenna integration activities.Define and manage RF hardware requirements including cabling, connectors, filters, amplifiers, switches and protection elements.Optimise communication parameters such as frequency selection, bandwidth, transmit power.Analyse communication performance indicators.Investigate challenging RF environments including interference, coexistence issues, multipath effects, signal blockage, antenna shadowing, jamming and degraded network conditions.Plan and execute laboratory, field, vehicle and flight validation activities.Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes across RF and networking domains, and implement effective corrective solutions.Maintain technical documentation.Monitor emerging technologies in tactical communications, phased-array antennas, SATCOM and advanced RF systems, supporting future product development.
Your background
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, RF/Microwave Engineering, Applied Physics or a related technical discipline.5+ years of practical experience in RF communications, tactical networks, aerospace, defence, robotics or other safety- and mission-critical environments.Demonstrated experience developing, integrating and validating RF communication systems from architecture definition through operational deployment.Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including link budgets, receiver sensitivity, noise figure, propagation, fading, antennas, transmission lines and RF front-end design.Experience with antenna systems, MIMO, MANET technologies, tactical radios, SATCOM or advanced wireless communication platforms.Hands-on experience using RF test equipment.
*This role is located in the Netherlands; therefore, candidates should be open to relocation if currently based elsewhere.
