Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton
Research Engineer - Wireless Communications

Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research and design airborne mesh networks for cutting-edge fighter jets.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative technology while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Computer Science; experience in research is a plus.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in a hybrid work environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Leonardo has a new exciting vacancy for a Wireless Communications Research Engineer. A unique opportunity to work on the 6th Generation Fighter Jets, supporting the joint UK, Italian and Japanese GCAP Project. Supported by an experienced team, the role will be working on a hybrid basis in our purpose-built facility in Southampton.

Your impact

As Wireless Communications Research Engineer, you will investigate different approaches for the design of airborne mesh networks, including analysing the results of simulations and proposing how to improve the design and assisting efforts to create standardisation proposals. Working in a Research and Development program, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

  • Researching papers and discussing findings
  • Presenting ideas
  • Working with algorithms and simulation software

Our Research Engineers span across a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system. As a Research Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable.

About You

Proven experience as a Research Engineer within a working environment or advanced academic research experience is a must. Ideally, you will have a Computer Science or Communication Engineering based Honours degree or equivalent experience.

Required

  • Related Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
  • Knowledge of system engineering principles and model-based systems engineering.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including network protocols and their use cases.
  • Experience within communication technologies.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate ideas to varied audiences.
  • The ability to design meaningful experiments and interpret the results.

Optional

  • Knowledge of Algorithm Design.
  • Knowledge of MANETs particularly relating to FANETs.
  • Software engineering techniques.
  • Experience of Python or C++ programming.
  • Experience in simulation and emulation.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be UK nationals. This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

  • Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
  • Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
  • Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
  • Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
  • Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
  • Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
  • Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Southampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Southampton where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, career development, and a commitment to diversity, we provide comprehensive benefits including flexible working options, generous leave, and access to extensive learning resources. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that shapes the future of aerospace and defence technology.
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Contact Detail:

Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the wireless communications field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation showcasing your research projects and simulations. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your ideas clearly and boost your confidence when discussing complex topics like algorithms and networking.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our innovative team at Leonardo.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton

Research Engineering
Wireless Communications
Airborne Mesh Networks
Simulation Analysis
Standardisation Proposals
System Engineering Principles
Model-Based Systems Engineering
Networking Fundamentals
Network Protocols
Communication Technologies
Interpersonal Skills
Experiment Design
Algorithm Design
Python Programming
C++ Programming

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wireless Communications Research Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in research and development, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills like algorithm design or programming languages you know.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the job description. Be sure to mention your enthusiasm for working on cutting-edge projects like the 6th Generation Fighter Jets.

Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or papers you've worked on. Discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you’ve successfully communicated complex ideas to different audiences.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in wireless communications and airborne mesh networks. Familiarise yourself with relevant research papers and be ready to discuss your findings. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the field.

✨Show Off Your Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience with algorithms, simulation software, and programming languages like Python or C++. Be specific about projects you've worked on and how your skills can contribute to the team at Leonardo. Real-world examples will make your case stronger!

✨Practice Your Presentation

Since you'll need to present ideas clearly, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would communicate your research to different audiences, as good interpersonal skills are key for this role. A mock presentation could really help!

✨Be Open to Learning

Leonardo values a good attitude and willingness to learn. Be prepared to discuss how you approach new challenges and what steps you take to improve your skills. Showing that you're adaptable and eager to grow will definitely impress your interviewers.

Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
Location: Southampton
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