Lead Engineer I - Communication (P04006)

NewSpace Research and Technologies; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

NewSpace Research and Technologies in Bengaluru is looking for a Lead Engineer for Communication Systems to lead the design and testing of advanced communication links for UAS. You will manage cross-functional teams, develop key technologies, and oversee operations for field testing. Candidates should have 8+ years of experience in the Defence or Aerospace sectors and hold a relevant degree. This full-time role involves hands-on leadership and technical authority in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a cross-functional team of engineers/architects through a complete product development lifecycle.
• Deep knowledge of wireless protocols and antenna theory.
• Expert-level familiarity with SDR platforms and RF characterization tools.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design of communication suites for UAS.
• Own the development of link budgets, RF propagation models, and interference analysis.
• Identify and integrate next-gen tech like MESH networking and SDRs.
• Collaborate with teams to manage SWaP-C and solve EMI/EMC challenges.
• Oversee interfacing of radios with Onboard Computers.

Skills

Leadership

RF Mastery

Tools & OS

Analytical Mindset

Education

B.Tech/B.E. or M.Tech/M.E. in Electronics & Communication, Electrical Engineering

Tools

SDR platforms

RF characterization tools

Job description

8-10

Full-Time

The Role

As the Lead Engineer for Communication Systems, you will be the technical authority for the "lifeline" of our aircraft. You will lead a high-performing team to architect, integrate, and field-test robust communication links that must perform in contested and complex environments. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a blend of deep RF expertise, systems thinking, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Lead the end-to-end design of communication suites for UAS, including long-range C2 (Command & Control), high-throughput telemetry, and live video feeds.
• Link Engineering: Own the development of link budgets, RF propagation models, and interference analysis
• Technology Roadmap: Identify and integrate "Next-Gen" tech such as MESH networking, Software Defined Radios (SDRs) to ensure NRT platforms remain industry-leading.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with Avionics and Airframe teams to manage SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) and solve complex EMI/EMC challenges.
• Embedded Ecosystem: Oversee the interfacing of radios with Onboard Computers (OBCs) like NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi, ensuring low-latency data flow.

Operational Excellence & Flight Testing

• Validation Strategy: Define and lead structured test cases for bench-level RF testing (using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.) and full-scale range and flight tests.
• Field Campaigns: Lead out-station flight testing operations, coordinating with internal teams and external government/defense stakeholders.
• Lifecycle Management: Manage the hardware lifecycle, from vendor selection and procurement to field maintenance and version control of communication software.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Leadership: Proven experience leading a cross-functional team of engineers/architects through a complete product development lifecycle.
• RF Mastery: Deep knowledge of wireless protocols, and antenna theory.
• Tools & OS: Expert-level familiarity with SDR platforms and RF characterization tools.
• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional problem-solving skills with an emphasis on attention to detail in high-pressure testing environments.

Basic Requirements

• Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience in the Defence or Aerospace technology space with emphasis on communications.
• Education: B.Tech/B.E. or M.Tech/M.E. in Electronics & Communication, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Flexibility: Readiness to lead out-station deployment and flight testing campaigns as required.