Principal Engineer - Networks

Edge Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family visa

Annual flight tickets

Medical insurance

Education allowances

Job summary

EDGE Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Principal Data Communications Engineer to design secure, high‑performance networking solutions for defence and mission‑critical systems, focusing on tactical MANETs, fixed networks, and satellite links.

You will model, simulate, and prototype networks, evaluate latency and throughput, and collaborate with systems, RF, cybersecurity and defence engineering teams to deliver robust communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of data communications, networking architectures, and protocol stacks.
• Proven knowledge of routing protocols and distributed network algorithms.
• Experience in communication protocol design, modelling, simulation, or analysis.
• Experience in defence communications, secure networking, C2, or mission‑critical systems.
• Knowledge of wired networking technologies such as Ethernet, MPLS, or optical transport.
• Understanding of MANET/ad‑hoc networking and protocols such as OLSR and AODV.
• Experience with network simulation/emulation tools such as NS‑3, OMNeT++, or Mininet.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop next‑generation routing protocols for tactical environments.
• Design and enhance routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, IS‑IS, OLSR, and AODV.
• Model, simulate, and evaluate heterogeneous networks including MANETs, wired, and satellite networks.
• Analyse network performance under mobility, interference, node loss, limited bandwidth, and intermittent connectivity.
• Develop adaptive, self‑organising, and resilient network solutions.
• Investigate secure routing and integration with encryption and cybersecurity mechanisms.
• Evaluate latency, throughput, convergence, routing overhead, and network survivability.
• Collaborate with systems, RF, cybersecurity, and defence engineering teams.
• Produce technical documentation, research outputs, and prototype designs.

Skills

Data communications

Networking architectures

Routing protocols knowledge

Communication protocols design

Security and cybersecurity integration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications

Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

NS-3

OMNeT++

Mininet

Python

C/C++

Job description

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At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose‑built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Principal Data Communications Engineer to design and develop secure, resilient, and high‑performance networking solutions for defence and mission‑critical systems. The role focuses on tactical MANETs, fixed networks, satellite links, and distributed communications in dynamic and contested environments, combining research with practical modelling, simulation, and prototyping.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and develop next‑generation communication and routing protocols for tactical environments.
• Design and enhance routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, IS‑IS, OLSR, and AODV.
• Model, simulate, and evaluate heterogeneous networks including MANETs, wired, and satellite networks.
• Analyse network performance under mobility, interference, node loss, limited bandwidth, and intermittent connectivity.
• Develop adaptive, self‑organising, and resilient network solutions.
• Investigate secure routing and integration with encryption and cybersecurity mechanisms.
• Evaluate latency, throughput, convergence, routing overhead, and network survivability.
• Collaborate with systems, RF, cybersecurity, and defence engineering teams.
• Produce technical documentation, research outputs, and prototype designs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of data communications, networking architectures, and protocol stacks.
• Proven knowledge of routing protocols and distributed network algorithms.
• Experience in communication protocol design, modelling, simulation, or analysis.
• Experience in defence communications, secure networking, C2, or mission‑critical systems.
• Knowledge of wired networking technologies such as Ethernet, MPLS, or optical transport.
• Understanding of MANET/ad‑hoc networking and protocols such as OLSR and AODV.
• Experience with network simulation/emulation tools such as NS‑3, OMNeT++, or Mininet.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
• Knowledge of DTN, hybrid networks, secure routing, and contested communications.
• Familiarity with IETF, NATO/STANAG, or MANET standards.
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or similar for modelling and prototyping.
• Knowledge of SDN, adaptive networking, or programmable network architectures.

#KATIM

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world‑class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people.

Salaries are highly competitive and tax‑free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include:

• family visas
• annual flight tickets
• medical insurance for you and your dependents
• education allowances for your children

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high‑performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.