Network Systems Lead

Ocean Infinity; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Infinity seeks a Network Systems Lead to design, build and secure the networking, communications, and data pathways for our USV and AUV systems. This hybrid role combines systems engineering, network and comms engineering, and network security to ensure high‑performance, secure data links between autonomous platforms, motherships, operators, cloud services and onboard sensors.

You will guide architecture roadmaps, document IP networks, and collaborate with cross‑discipline teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Defence sector experience required.
• Degree in Networking or related field.
• Strong secure network architecture experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as SME for network architecture.
• Define secure network solutions for customer missions.
• Document end-to-end communications for USVs/AUVs (radio, satcom, cellular, mesh, Wi‑Fi, acoustic).
• Define IP architectures, VLANs, firewall rules, QoS, bandwidth, encryption.
• Produce system communications requirements and conduct tech trade studies.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software and autonomy teams.
• Support operations with technical expertise and tailored missions.

Skills

IP networking

Linux networking

Network security

Cybersecurity basics

Cloud/hosted services

Defence experience

RF/wireless

Ansible

AWS

OpenWRT

WireGuard

RouterOS

Education

Degree in Networking/Telecommunications/Engineering

Tools

Cisco

MikroTik

Ubiquiti

Peplink

Job description

We are seeking a Network Systems Lead to design, build and secure the networking, communications, and data pathways that underpin our USV and AUV systems. This is a hybrid role combining:

• Systems engineering (requirements, architecture, integration)
• Network & comms engineering (routing, radios, RF, protocols, data links)
• Network security considerations

You will ensure reliable, secure, high‑performance data communication between autonomous platforms, motherships, remote operators, cloud infrastructure, and onboard sensors.

This role is ideal for someone keen to deliver secure, reliable complex networks in challenging marine environments.

What you will be doing

• Act as Subject Matter Expert for network architecture
• Ensure network architectures can meet security requirements for specific customer missions and environments
• Architect, design and document the end-to-end communications architecture for USVs and AUVs (radio, satellite, cellular, mesh, Wi‑Fi, acoustic systems)
• Define and execute network architecture roadmaps across the portfolio
• Define and maintain IP architectures, VLANs, firewall rules, QoS, bandwidth allocation, and encryption schemes
• Produce communications system requirements
• Conduct trade studies for new comms technologies (e.g., new satcom services, mesh systems, acoustic modems)
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy engineers to ensure seamless integration
• Provide technical expertise to operations and project teams
• Help design tailored communication solutions for specific customer missions or environments

Who you are

• Experience within Defence is essential
• Degree in Networking, Telecommunications, Electrical/Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar level of experience
• Experience of secure network architecture and implementation, including cybersecurity principles (secure comms, certificate management, hardening)
• Strong experience with IP networking (routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls, QoS, VPNs)
• Familiarity with radio and wireless communications (RF fundamentals, antennas, propagation)
• Hands‑on experience configuring network hardware (Cisco,MikroTik, Ubiquiti,Peplink, etc.)
• Understanding of satellite, 4G/5G, Wi‑Fi, or RF mesh communications
• Experience building / managing cloud hosted services
• Comfortable building, testing, and troubleshooting real hardware
• Experience with Linux networking tools

Desirable

• Experience within Robotics is highly desirable
• Experience with Ansible,AWS,OpenWRT,WireGuardandRouterOS
• Marine communication systems experience (maritime radios, AIS, acoustic communications)
• Experience with networking for autonomous systems (UAVs, robots, mobile platforms)
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 networking, DDS, or middleware
• Experience with field deployments and remote operations

Given the nature of the work, this role requires you to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK national security clearance. You must be willing and able to undergo the necessary security vetting process, and continued employment in the role may be subject to maintaining the required clearance. Security vetting will be conducted in accordance with the requirements and standards set by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Further information on UK security clearance levels, eligibility, and the vetting process can be found on the UK Government website: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant