Communications Systems Engineer

Lockheed Martin; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace and defense company is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer at their Gloucester site. In this role, you'll design and develop Software-Defined Radio systems, focusing on system architectures and communication protocols, contributing to Defence, Cyber, and Intelligence programmes. Candidates should have strong experience with SDR architectures, excellent problem-solving skills, and familiarity with Linux. Competitive salary of £72,500 to £90,000, hybrid work options, and a comprehensive benefits package are available.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Competitive Pension

Travel Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Internal training and development

Qualifications

• Strong experience with SDR system architectures.
• In-depth knowledge of communication interfaces and protocols.
• Experience in designing network topographies and link budgets.

Responsibilities

• Consult upon the design and optimization of SDR system architectures.
• Develop and implement communication protocols for SDR systems.
• Design network topologies for seamless communication.

Skills

SDR system architectures

Communication interfaces

Network topographies

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Tools

OpenCPI

GnuRadio

Python

C/C++

Linux environments

GitLab

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Communications Systems Engineer to join our team at our Gloucester site. 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.

At Lockheed Martin, we offer a collaborative environment where you can thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We provide flexible working hours, hybrid work options when possible, and a comprehensive benefits package to support both your career and personal life.

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.

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.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Strong experience with SDR system architectures for communications applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of communication interfaces, protocols, encoding schemes, and standards (., TCP/IP, IEEE 802 standards, cellular mobile network standards, forward error correction schemes .)
• 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.

What we offer you

At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more.

We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off.

We offer Competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement.

We have a Wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below:

• Private Medical Insurance
• Competitive Pension
• Dental
• Critical Illness
• Life Assurance
• Travel Insurance
• Employee discounts for top high street shops
• Employee Assistance Program which includes free face to face counselling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc
• Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes
• Reimbursement for a professional membership
• Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave

Business Environment

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) provides systems engineering, software development, training solutions and complex program management for global security, civil and commercial markets. Simply stated, our mission is to be the world’s leading global security and aerospace company. To achieve this mission, RMS draws on its core capabilities in advanced platforms and weapons, C4ISR, global sustainment, training and sensors.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed.

Job Reference Number

16700BR

Salary Range

£72,500 - £90,000 + Comprehensive Benefits + Bonus

Employee Type

Full Time

Hours Per Week

37.5

Working Schedule

4xFlex

Country

United Kingdom (UK)

Clearance Required for Role

DV

Graduate, Intern or Apprentice Vacancy?

No

Job Expires

19/01/2026

Communications Systems Engineer | LM Careers