Satellite Communication Systems Engineer

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

Imagine this... you're leading the charge on satellite communications for autonomous vehicles that defy the limits of speed, altitude, and connectivity. One day you're deep into RF system modelling, the next you're fine-tuning link budgets that make the impossible feel like yesterday's news. You're not just engineering; you're crafting the backbone of a new era in high-speed, high-altitude defense and aerospace operations.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Need

• 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.

Who You Are

You thrive in a fast-paced environment where innovation moves at lightning speed. When others see obstacles, you see opportunities. You love autonomy, figuring things out, and taking ownership of challenges. You're not just a comms engineer - you're a systems thinker, problem solver, and performance optimizer. You bring clarity to complexity, rally teams around technical goals, and hold yourself to the highest standards. You're proactive, adaptable, and motivated by impact - from concept through deployment. You're confident navigating discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders alike

Why Join Us?

• The Thrill of the Future - Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
• Global Innovation Hub - Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
• Fast-Paced & High-Growth - Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
• Real Impact - Your work won't be theoretical - it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Destinus - Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.