Lead Satellite Communications Engineer for High-Altitude UAVs

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a skilled RF/satellite communications engineer to drive UAV link budgets and system-level design for next-generation defense aerospace programs. You will model links, simulate performance, and develop signal processing algorithms for cutting-edge platforms.

You will collaborate with software, avionics, and defense teams, integrating modems, antennas, and waveguides, while documenting complex systems for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of satellite communication systems, especially RF and mmWave Satcom payloads.
• Strong grasp of RF communication architectures, modulation techniques, and waveform design.
• Solid understanding of radio propagation - multipath, fading, link loss, and what to do about it.
• Hands-on skills with signal processing in Python or equivalent environments.
• Experience with system-level modelling and simulation to drive early-phase design.
• Familiarity with encryption and compression algorithms is a big plus.
• Knowledge of multi-beam antennas and beamforming/resource allocation algorithms is an advantage.
• Ability to document complex systems clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Define and translate mission requirements into communication system capabilities that power the most advanced UAVs on the planet.
• Build, analyze, and optimize link budgets to squeeze out performance in the toughest environments.
• Model communication links and simulate system performance to support design decisions and risk mitigation.
• Design and implement signal processing and data algorithms that push performance boundaries.
• Architect end-to-end system solutions that scale, perform, and evolve with our tech.
• Lead validation campaigns and system-level tests to ensure mission-readiness.
• Integrate cutting-edge comms hardware - modems, antennas, waveguides - into our flight platforms.
• Create detailed technical documentation that tells a clear, compelling story to internal teams and external partners.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across software, avionics, flight systems, and defense programs.
• Engage with suppliers and partners to align on specs, drive quality, and ensure we deliver on time.

Skills

Satellite comms

RF architectures

Link budgets

Python signal processing

System modelling

Beamforming knowledge

Documentation

Tools

Python

Job description

Destinus is seeking a skilled RF/satellite communications engineer to drive UAV link budgets and system-level design for next-generation defense aerospace programs. You will model links, simulate performance, and develop signal processing algorithms for cutting-edge platforms.

You will collaborate with software, avionics, and defense teams, integrating modems, antennas, and waveguides, while documenting complex systems for internal and external stakeholders.