Defense Systems Engineer – SDR Specialist

ARQUIMEA; Madrid; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ARQUIMEA is looking for a Defense Systems Engineer specialized in Software-Defined Radios at our Madrid headquarters. You will support the design, development, and integration of mission-critical defense systems while ensuring compliance with technical and security requirements. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in defense systems engineering, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills. Join us to tackle challenges in aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• More than 5 years of experience in defense systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage system requirements for SDR-based defense communication systems.
• Develop system architectures, interface definitions, and technical specifications.
• Support SDR system design and perform RF analyses.

Skills

Experience in systems engineering for communications

Practical knowledge of Software-Defined Radio architectures

Understanding of RF communications principles

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering fields

Tools

GNU Radio

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

VHDL/Verilog

Job description

ARQUIMEA, we are a technology company operating globally and providing innovative solutions and products in highly demanding sectors. Our areas of activity are Aerospace, Defense & Security, Big Science, Biotechnology and Fintech.

Main function and scope

We are seeking a Defense Systems Engineer specialized in Software-Defined Radios to support the design, development, integration, verification, and deployment of advanced communications, electronic warfare, and mission-critical defense systems.

Core functions

• Define and manage system requirements for SDR-based defense communication systems.
• Develop system architectures, interface definitions, technical specifications, and verification plans.
• Support SDR system design, including RF front ends, waveforms, signal processing, embedded software, FPGA, and networking interfaces.
• Perform RF and communications analyses, including link budgets, modulation performance, interference, coexistence, and resilience in contested environments.
• Plan and execute integration, verification, validation, qualification, and field testing activities.
• Troubleshoot system-level issues across RF, software, firmware, hardware, and networking domains.
• Coordinate technical activities with hardware, software, FPGA, RF, cybersecurity, test, customer, and supplier teams.
• Support secure and mission-critical defense system development, including COMSEC, TRANSEC, anti-jam, interoperability, and qualification considerations.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, design reviews, and customer-facing engineering material.

Required experience and candidate profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• More than 5 years of experience in defense systems engineering.

Technical Requirements

• Experience in systems engineering for communications, RF, electronic warfare, radar, or defense systems.
• Practical knowledge of Software-Defined Radio architectures and platforms.
• Understanding of RF communications principles, modulation, coding, synchronization, filtering, spectrum management, and signal processing.
• Experience with requirements management, system architecture, interface definition, and verification planning.
• Familiarity with laboratory RF equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and SDR test setups.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex multidisciplinary systems involving RF, digital signal processing, embedded software, FPGA, and networking components.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and interface with customers or external partners.

Nice-to-have training / specific knowledge

• Experience with tactical communications, military radios, datalinks, SATCOM, EW, SIGINT, ELINT, or radar systems.
• Experience with SDR platforms such as Ettus/USRP, Analog Devices, Xilinx RFSoC, LimeSDR, Red Pitaya, or defense-grade SDR hardware.
• Knowledge of GNU Radio, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, VHDL/Verilog, or embedded Linux.
• Familiarity with waveform standards, military communication protocols, or NATO/STANAG-related systems.
• Experience with FPGA-based signal processing or RFSoC-based architectures.
• Knowledge of secure communications, encryption interfaces, key management, COMSEC/TRANSEC concepts, or classified system environments.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering tools such as Cameo, Capella, Enterprise Architect, DOORS, Jama, Polarion, or similar.
• Knowledge of defense qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-882, or equivalent.
• Experience in field trials, military exercises, or customer acceptance testing.
• Eligibility for security clearance, where applicable.

The position is located at our headquarters in Madrid, at Calle Serrano Galvache, 56.

We're looking for curious, creative, tenacious and collaborative people eager to tackle challenges and contribute to improving the society in which we live.

Think Big, Do the Job & Enjoy Life

At ARQUIMEA, we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected factors by law. All candidates will be considered equally based on their skills and experience.