Hardened Comms Engineer (All Genders)

About the role

STARK is a defence technology company redefining how autonomous and electronic warfare systems are engineered and deployed. We design, build, and operationalise high-performance electronic warfare and unmanned systems that provide NATO forces with decisive advantages in contested electromagnetic environments. Our work is grounded in precision, responsibility, and uncompromising engineering discipline. You will be the primary architect of resilient, low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) communication links for our next generation of autonomous platforms. Your mission is to ensure that STARK’s drone fleets maintain command and control integrity even in the most severe electronic warfare environments. This is a full-stack communications role where you will bridge the gap between low-level RF hardware and high-level software networking. Design and implement the complete communication software stack for unmanned systems, from physical layer waveform manipulation to network layer routing.

Develop and integrate anti-jamming techniques, frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), and low-probability-of-detection (LPD) protocols.

Architect high-reliability data links tailored for the unique constraints of small-form-factor UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) operating in contested airspace.

Write high-performance, real-time C++ code to handle high-speed data transmission and error correction algorithms (FEC).

Collaborate with hardware engineers to select and tune front-end components, ensuring the software stack is perfectly calibrated to the physical RF environment.

Research and implement adaptive filtering and cognitive radio techniques to bypass active electronic countermeasures.

Conduct rigorous bench testing and field trials to validate link stability against simulated near-peer electronic warfare threats.

Strong proficiency in C++ and a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and Linux networking.

A professional background in Electronics Engineering with a specific focus on communication systems and digital signal processing (DSP).

Practical experience with the OSI model, specifically how it applies to radio-based mesh networks and point-to-point links.

Deep understanding of digital modulation schemes (OFDM, DSSS, GFSK) and the underlying physics of RF propagation.

The ability to debug complex timing issues and signal degradation at the hardware/software boundary.

Relevant Backgrounds
Experience building or maintaining long-range, encrypted data links for robotic platforms.

Extensive experience with platforms like USRP or LimeSDR and frameworks like GNU Radio.

Background in military-grade communication standards (e.g., Link 16, MANET) or secure satellite communications.

Strong mathematical grounding in channel capacity, noise floors, and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) optimisation.

Nice-to-Have / Bonus Skills
Experience with custom protocol design for low-bandwidth, high-latency environments.

Familiarity with cryptographic standards for securing over-the-air transmissions.

Knowledge of MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antenna systems and beam-forming.

Interest in the intersection of Al/ML and cognitive radio for automated interference avoidance.