RF Engineer - Pioneering Autonomous Defence Systems

Permanent Employee, Full-time · Munich Area

Shape the Future of Autonomous Defence.

A dynamic and rapidly growing technology innovator at the forefront of autonomous systems development for defence applications is seeking a talented and driven RF Engineer (m/f/d) to join our expanding team in the Munich area. You will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and integrating cutting-edge RF and wireless communication systems for our next-generation unmanned platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to impactful technologies that bolster the security of allied nations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Integration: Select, design, and integrate a range of RF hardware, including Software Defined Radios (SDRs), antennas, filters, Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers, and front-end modules.
• System Requirements: Define system-level RF performance requirements, ensuring adherence to stringent environmental and regulatory standards relevant to defence applications.
• Communication Architectures: Develop robust and secure communication architectures for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) command and control, telemetry, and high-bandwidth payload data transfer.
• Electronic Warfare Support: Contribute to the design and integration of Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities, including signal detection, jamming, spoofing techniques, and RF hardening of systems.
• Performance Analysis: Conduct detailed RF simulations, perform link budget calculations, and develop accurate range performance models.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical and systems engineers to optimize antenna placement, ensure Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) mitigation, and achieve Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) efficiency.
• Component Evaluation: Evaluate and qualify both Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and custom-designed RF components for integration into demanding military platforms.
• Testing and Validation: Plan and execute comprehensive lab testing, range validation trials, and flight trials to verify the performance of RF systems.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure strict compliance with relevant NATO STANAGs, MIL standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-810), and applicable frequency allocation regulations. Contribute to safety, reliability, and certification documentation, including SC-Light UAS or equivalent certification pathways where relevant.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• A strong degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in RF systems design, development, and integration. Experience within the aerospace, defence, or tactical communications sectors is highly advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), advanced RF front-end design, and complex antenna system integration.
• Comprehensive understanding of RF propagation, various modulation schemes, spectral efficiency principles, and effective interference mitigation techniques.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard RF test equipment (e.g., Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and proficiency in RF design and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, MATLAB).
• Solid understanding of EMC/EMI principles and best practices for the ruggedization of RF systems for operation in challenging environmental conditions.
• Familiarity with relevant military standards and NATO STANAGs pertaining to communication and electronic warfare systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, coupled with excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance required for working within the defence sector.
• Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in German and/or other European languages is considered a valuable asset.

Join us in shaping the future of defence technology!