Principal Communication Systems Engineer

Milton Keynes
2 weeks ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Design Manager

Senior Design Manager

Project Manager

HR Administrator

Marketing Manager

Group Architectural Technician

Principal Communication Systems Engineer

Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Do you want to join a team of innovators and pioneers in the field of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms that is developing leading-edge phased array antennas and radios for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems?

If you thrive in a start-up environment and are passionate about space technology, we want to hear from you!

Role Overview:

As a Principal Communication Systems Engineer, you will be the technical point of contact for the communication programs. You will lead the development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, high-level software and hardware system architecture design, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and risk assessment. You will coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams, raise issues at the program level, and drive complex programs to success.

Key Responsibilities:

Evaluate customer and operational needs to define requirements and ensure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
Support reviews of requests for proposals to develop and respond with innovative solutions.
Lead trade studies to optimise system architecture.
Define and validate space system requirements and interfaces.
Develop and direct technical concept development in support of proposals.
Lead the development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, hardware system design, link budget studies, gain line up, cascade analysis, array simulation studies, CONOPS development, and risk reduction.
Lead analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance, and other quality factors to ensure mission success.
Participate in developing system engineering processes for requirements management, flow down, and traceability.

Qualifications:

Master's or Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering.
9+ years of experience in space communications.
Strong background in communication theory and deep understanding of RF concepts and impairments.
Practical experience with FPGA and modern vector processing engines.
Familiarity with satellite-communications standards (NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).
Proficiency in at least one scripting language (ideally Python) and one programming language (ideally C++).
Experience working with product/component developers and vendors.
Sense of urgency and ability to work well under pressure.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a forward-thinking team that is shaping the future of space communications.
Work in a hands-on, interactive, and autonomous environment.
Engage in exciting and challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology.
Collaborate with passionate and energetic individuals who are committed to innovation and excellence.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Communication Systems Engineer to design and own new cutting-edge products in a fast-paced, innovative environment and benefits from a competitive salary and benefits and site-based working in Milton Keynes.

If you are ready to make a significant impact in the field of space communications and want to be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, apply now!

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Portfolio Projects That Get You Hired for UAV Jobs (With Real GitHub Examples)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are reshaping industries—from aerial mapping and agriculture to disaster response and commercial delivery. As drone technology evolves rapidly, employers in the UAV sector are hungry for professionals with proven hands-on skills—be that in flight control, software integration, sensor fusion, or mechanical design. But how do you demonstrate these skills effectively? A robust UAV portfolio can help you stand out in a competitive job market. In this guide, we’ll cover: Why a UAV portfolio is crucial for demonstrating your capabilities. Choosing or designing UAV projects aligned with different drone-related roles. Real GitHub examples showcasing best practices in flight software, hardware integration, and autonomous control. Actionable project ideas to boost your portfolio right away. Best methods for presenting your work—ensuring recruiters see your impact immediately. Finally, we’ll point you to how you can connect your portfolio to real job openings, starting with a reminder to upload your CV on UAVJobs.co.uk so that employers seeking drone talent can easily find you.

UAV Job Interview Warm‑Up: 30 Real Coding & System‑Design Questions

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—commonly referred to as drones—have rapidly transformed modern industries. From agriculture and mapping to logistics, search & rescue, and cinematography, UAVs are revolutionising how we capture data, transport goods, and assist in complex tasks. As UAV systems become more advanced, the demand for engineers, software developers, and flight control experts with deep UAV expertise continues to grow. If you’re exploring UAV job interviews, you can expect a blend of hardware, software, control theory, and safety-related questions. Whether you’re focusing on flight controller firmware, autopilot algorithms, computer vision, or fleet management, your interviewers want to see you can handle the intricacies of real-time control, sensor fusion, and robust design. This blog post covers 30 real coding & system-design questions you might encounter when interviewing for a UAV role—plus insights into why thorough interview prep matters. For the latest UAV opportunities in the UK, check out www.uavjobs.co.uk, a dedicated platform connecting drone professionals with innovative companies across multiple verticals. Let’s dive into the specific skill sets that UAV interviews test—and how you can showcase your capabilities to future employers.

Negotiating Your UAV Job Offer: Equity, Bonuses & Perks Explained

How to Secure a Compensation Package That Matches Your High-Flying Role in the UK’s Drone & UAV Industry Introduction Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly referred to as drones, have rapidly transitioned from niche military applications to a multibillion-pound commercial market. From aerial surveys in agriculture and construction to drone deliveries and advanced aerial photography, UAV technology is reshaping how businesses operate and solve problems. As a mid‑senior professional in the UAV sector—whether you specialise in flight control software, hardware design, mission planning, or regulatory compliance—your work is integral to driving innovation and safety in this fast-evolving field. Amid such high demand, employers aren’t just competing on salary. Compensation packages can include equity, milestone-based bonuses, and a variety of perks that enable you to stay at the cutting edge of UAV technology. Despite these opportunities, many professionals focus mainly on base pay when negotiating an offer, potentially missing out on significant added value. This guide explores how to negotiate a UAV job offer in the UK, diving into equity arrangements for emerging drone start-ups, performance bonuses tied to flight-testing or product launches, and perks that can support your ongoing development and well-being in this dynamic sector.