Communications Systems Engineer

Communications Systems Engineer | Gloucester | c£80K | Software Defined Radio

We are seeking a highly skilled Communications Systems Engineer to join our team in Gloucester. This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design and development of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) systems, focusing on system architectures, interfaces, protocols, and network topography. You will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions for Defence, Cyber, and Intelligence programmes.

As a Communications Systems Engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing, integrating, and optimizing SDR systems, ensuring they meet the requirements of complex mission environments. You’ll be involved in working with advanced communication architectures, industry protocols, and network topologies, making this role ideal for someone passionate about next-generation communication systems.

 You will require eDV Security Clearance, and have been born in the UK, to start this role

Key Responsibilities:

• SDR System Architecture – Consult upon the design and optimization of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) system architectures for advanced communications applications, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Interfaces & Protocols – Develop and implement interfaces and communication protocols to support robust, high-performance SDR systems.
• Network Topography – Design and model network topologies, ensuring seamless integration and efficient communication across diverse systems and platforms.
• System Integration – Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate SDR solutions into larger mission systems and ensure full system functionality.
• Standards Compliance – Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards and protocols to maintain interoperability and compliance with operational requirements.
• Testing & Validation – Conduct testing and validation of communication systems, verifying the correct operation of interfaces, protocols, and network structures.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration – Work closely with engineers from other disciplines, including software, RF, and payload development teams, to integrate communication systems effectively into broader platforms.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience with SDR system architectures for communications applications.
• In-depth knowledge of communication interfaces, protocols, encoding schemes, and standards (e.g., TCP/IP, IEEE 802 standards, cellular mobile network standards, forward error correction schemes etc.).
• Experience in designing network topographies and link budgets to support complex communication systems.
• Familiarity with the integration of SDR systems and associated components.
• Proficiency with network modelling and system design tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on system performance and efficiency.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with real-time communication systems and network management tools.
• Knowledge of OpenCPI, GnuRadio, Python, C/C++, and other SDR development tools.
• Experience working in Linux environments and using GitLab or similar version control tools.
• Background in working with Defence or Cyber communications systems.
• Familiarity with interoperability testing and network performance analysis.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary circa  £80,000
• 4-day working week / 9 day fortnight
• Competitive pension scheme
• Bupa healthcare includes family and Dental
• Critical Illness cover
• Life Assurance
• Travel Insurance
• Employee discounts for top high street shops
• Internal and External training and development
• Reimbursement for a professional membership

This is exciting and meaningful work providing the opportunity to contribute to national security and innovation.