Systems Engineer

Airbus; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Company pension

Car leasing scheme

On-site parking

Hybrid working

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Portsmouth seeks a Systems Engineer to advance RF/SDR technologies and bridge hardware, software, and signal processing teams. You will help deliver mission-critical SDR solutions through collaborative engineering and rapid iteration.

The role focuses on requirements gathering, integration, and deployment, with opportunities to work across dynamic projects in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility and growth are encouraged within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of RF or SATCOM systems.
• Hands-on experience with SDR platforms.
• Proficient in scripting/programming (Python, C++, or embedded C).
• Experience with system-level requirements, integration, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with Domain Experts and Customers to define user requirements, enabling the management and maintenance of system architecture and system models relating to SDR-based platforms.
• Integrate and validate RF front-ends, FPGAs, and real-time software stacks.
• Conduct performance analysis and trade studies for modulation, coding, and protocol layers.
• Support waveform development and integration across multiple SDR platforms.
• Lead system-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and optimization.
• Stay current with advances in SDR frameworks (GNU Radio, REDHAWK, etc.) and industry standards.

Skills

RF/SATCOM systems

SDR platforms

Python

C++

Embedded C

System integration

Real-time software

Tools

GNU Radio

REDHAWK

Job description

Job Description

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance

LOCATION: Portsmouth

TYPE: Full time

TRAVEL: Occasional UK travel

What’s in it for you

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?

About the role

This is genuinely a role that doesn’t arise often. Due to market growth we are looking for a Systems Engineer to collaborate with and support the R&D team, creating new futuristic RF technologies and improving existing technology. This group has a start-up feel within the Airbus world. You will be bridging the gap between clients and Engineers (hardware, software, signal processing, and end applications). Treading the fine line of bringing clever ideas and dreams into reality whilst keeping the fast-paced projects on track and the team grounded. There will be very fluid dynamic projects, hard and fast deadlines and the ability to contribute to the ever changing global situation.

You’ll play a key role in developing and deploying SDR solutions, from requirements gathering to final delivery. Focusing on systems-level thinking, integration, RF chain performance, and real-time communication protocols, collaborating with cross-functional teams to build resilient, flexible, and mission-critical systems.

How you will contribute to the team

• Liaise with Domain Experts and Customers to define user requirements, enabling the management and maintenance of system architecture and system models relating to SDR-based platforms.
• Integrate and validate RF front-ends, FPGAs, and real-time software stacks.
• Conduct performance analysis and trade studies for modulation, coding, and protocol layers.
• Support waveform development and integration across multiple SDR platforms.
• Lead system-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and optimization.
• Stay current with advances in SDR frameworks (GNU Radio, REDHAWK, etc.) and industry standards.

About you

• Strong understanding of RF or SATCOM systems, signal processing, and digital communications theory.
• Hands-on experience with SDR platforms.
• Proficient in scripting and programming (Python, C++, or embedded C).
• Experience with system-level requirements, integration, and validation.

We value your growth

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

Flexibility and reasonable adjustments

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Please let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company details

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type: Permanent

Experience Level: Professional

Job Family: Computing&Comm and Info& Data Processing

Equal opportunities

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all.

As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

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