Radio Frequency (RF) Communication & Networks Engineer

Syos Aerospace; Mount Maunganui; Remote; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace is seeking an experienced RF Communications & Networks Engineer to own the RF capability for autonomous platforms. You will select technologies, integrate modules, test and optimise systems that enable reliable communications across air, land and sea vehicles.

You will work with software, electrical, avionics, mechanical and systems teams, guiding antenna placement, testing strategies and field deployments. Relocation support is provided for Mount Maunganui, NZ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer or Communications Engineering or related field.
• Proven RF comms, wireless systems or networked platforms experience.
• Experience integrating comms into vehicles, robotics or aerospace environments.

Responsibilities

• Own integration, testing and optimisation of RF communication systems across autonomous platforms.
• Evaluate and select radio technologies, modules and networking solutions for missions.
• Develop architectures supporting multiple vehicles and ground control systems.
• Troubleshoot RF, connectivity and system-level issues using data-driven analysis.
• Optimise antenna performance and advise on placement and integration.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, avionics, mechanical and systems teams.
• Support vehicle integration, flight trials and deployments, adapting as needed.
• Establish RF testing approaches, benchmarks and lessons learned for improvement.
• Help shape SYOS’s future communications roadmap.

Skills

RF communications

Wireless networks

Data links

Antenna performance

Mesh networking

Ground control integration

RF testing & analysis

Troubleshooting

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Communications Engineering

Tools

RF test equipment

Spectrum analysers

Network analysers

Job description

Build the communications systems behind autonomous vehicles that operate when it matters most.

At SYOS Aerospace, we’re pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology, developing next-generation uncrewed systems across air, land and sea for dual-use applications.

We’re looking for an experienced RF Communications & Networks Engineer to become our communications systems expert. You’ll own the capability that enables our autonomous platforms to communicate reliably - from selecting and integrating radio technologies through to testing, optimisation and real-world deployment. This is a unique opportunity to shape SYOS’ RF communications pathway in a fast-growing engineering environment. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle, helping define how our platforms connect, communicate and operate in complex environments.

What you’ll be doing

• Own the integration, testing and optimisation of RF communication systems across autonomous platforms.
• Evaluate and select radio technologies, communication modules and networking solutions to meet mission requirements.
• Develop and improve communications architectures supporting multiple autonomous vehicles and ground control systems.
• Troubleshoot complex RF, connectivity and system-level communication challenges using data-driven analysis.
• Optimise antenna performance and provide guidance on antenna placement, vehicle integration and mechanical design considerations.
• Work closely with software, electrical, avionics, mechanical and systems engineering teams to deliver reliable communication solutions.
• Support vehicle integration, flight trials and operational deployments, adapting systems as mission requirements evolve.
• Establish RF testing approaches, performance benchmarks and lessons learned to continuously improve SYOS communication capability.
• Help develop SYOS’ future communications roadmap and product pathway.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for an engineer who understands how communication systems perform in the real world and enjoys solving complex integration challenges.

You’ll have experience in many of the following:

• RF communications systems, wireless networks or data links.
• Integrating and troubleshooting communication systems in complex environments.
• Understanding of RF fundamentals including frequency, power, propagation, interference and link performance.
• Antenna performance, placement and integration considerations.
• Mesh networking or distributed communication systems.
• Understanding of the relationship between radios, drivers, autopilot systems and ground control systems.
• RF testing, validation and performance analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working with RF communications, wireless systems or networked communication platforms.
• Experience integrating communication systems into vehicles, robotics, aerospace, defence or industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of RF principles, antennas and wireless communication technologies.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with UAV, robotics or autonomous systems.
• Experience with mesh networks or multi-node communication systems.
• Experience with MAVLink, ArduPilot, PX4 or similar autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Experience supporting field trials, system integration or operational testing.
• Defence, aerospace, maritime, satellite or mission-critical communications experience.
• Experience with Python, Bash or similar scripting for test automation and data analysis.
• Familiarity with spectrum analysers, network analysers and RF test equipment.

Why SYOS?

At SYOS, you’ll work on technology that matters, alongside engineers who move quickly, solve difficult problems and challenge what’s possible. Every successful mission depends on reliable communication. Your work will directly influence how our autonomous systems operate, scale and perform in real-world environments.

If you’re excited by owning a critical engineering capability and helping shape the future of autonomous systems, we’d love to hear from you.

Note: This role is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (relocation support provided).