Communications Systems Engineer (UAS)

TEKEVER; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Company pension match up to 10%

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Private dental care

Employee assistance programme

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

TEKEVER is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and validate vital data links for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. You will own end-to-end communication architecture, ensuring seamless command and control and high-bandwidth telemetry across diverse environments.

You will bridge mission requirements with hardware, selecting RF, Satcom, and military bearers to ensure mission success, define link budgets, and conduct on-platform interference testing to keep aircraft in reach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in communications systems engineering, ideally in aerospace/defense/autonomous systems.
• Deep knowledge of RF principles and antenna theory.
• Experience with SDRs, Satcom, and tactical data links.
• Familiarity with military standards (e.g., Link 16, Bowman) or LTE/5G / DVB-S2 is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and design communication system architecture for LOS/BLOS and Satcom on UAS.
• Lead integration of comms systems onto UAS platforms and manage interfaces.
• Perform link budget analyses to guarantee robust connectivity.
• Oversee secure military waveforms and cryptographic equipment compliance.
• Configure networking protocols (TCP/IP, MAVLink) for low latency, high reliability.
• Design and execute bench tests, range trials, and flight test campaigns.

Skills

RF principles

Antenna theory

Modulation schemes (OFDM, FHSS)

Hands-on with SDRs

Satcom terminals

Tactical data links

UK SC clearance

Education

Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Telecommunications degree

Tools

Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

Satcom terminals

Tactical data links

Job description

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting‑edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.

Digital | Defence | Security | Space

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance-as‑a‑service solution that delivers real‑time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission‑driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission‑oriented game‑changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision‑making.

If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

Mission

We are looking for a Communications Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and validate the vital data links that keep our Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) connected. This is a systems‑focused role where you will own the end‑to‑end communication architecture—ensuring seamless command and control (C2) and high‑bandwidth telemetry across diverse and contested environments.

You will be the bridge between high‑level mission requirements and hardware implementation, selecting the right mix of RF, Satcom, and Military Bearers to ensure mission success. From defining link budgets to conducting "on-platform" interference testing, you will ensure our aircraft are never out of reach.

What Will Be Your Responsibilities

• Architecture Design: Define the communication system architecture, selecting and sizing hardware (transceivers, antennas, modems) to meet range, throughput, and SWaP-C constraints.
• Systems Integration: Lead the integration of Line‑of‑Sight (LOS) and Beyond‑Line‑of‑Sight (BLOS/Satcom) systems onto UAS platforms, managing complex interfaces and protocol stacks.
• Link Budget Analysis: Perform rigorous link budget calculations for various frequencies to guarantee robust connectivity in all flight profiles.
• Military Comms & Encryption: Oversee the implementation of secure military waveforms and cryptographic equipment, ensuring compliance with UK defense standards.
• Protocol Mastery: Configure and optimize communication protocols and networking stacks (TCP/IP, MAVLink) for low‑latency, high‑reliability aerial links.
• Verification & Test: Design and execute bench‑top HIL (Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop) tests, ground range trials, and flight test campaigns to validate link performance and EMI/EMC compatibility.

Profile And Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years in communications systems engineering, ideally within the aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems sector.
• Technical Breadth: Deep knowledge of RF principles, antenna theory, and modulation schemes (OFDM, FHSS, etc.).
• Hardware & Protocols: Hands‑on experience with SDRs (Software Defined Radios), Satcom terminals, and tactical data links.
• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with military communication standards (e.g., Link 16, Bowman) or commercial standards (LTE/5G, DVB‑S2) is highly desirable.
• Education: Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• Security: This role requires UK SC (Security Check) clearance.
• Systems Mindset: The ability to see beyond the "black box" to understand how comms impacts flight safety and mission data quality.
• Problem Solver: A "hands‑on" approach to troubleshooting RF interference or network dropouts in complex, real‑world environments.
• Collaborative: Able to work closely with Avionics, Software, and Airframe engineers to find the optimal placement for antennas and comms hardware.
• Adaptability: A proactive desire to embrace new processes and drive continuous improvement in engineering methods.
• Agility: Comfortable leading in a fast‑paced development environment where requirements and threats can evolve rapidly.

What We Have To Offer You

At TEKEVER, we offer a comprehensive package designed to reward, support, and develop our people.

• This includes a highly competitive salary with a discretionary annual bonus and a company pension contribution match of up to 10%.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance (with optional family cover).
• Private Dental care.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flexible hybrid working model, typically three days a week at our core UK sites like Bristol.
• Bespoke rewards platform featuring a variety of high‑street discounts and salary sacrifice schemes, including Electric Car, Cycle to Work, and Technology options.

We are deeply committed to investing in future talent; our scale allows us to provide clear career development opportunities and dedicated initiatives to boost your skill sets, ensuring you remain future‑ready for the evolving workplace.