At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the command, control, and navigation resilience for cutting-edge UAVs.
- Company: Join Windracers, a leader in autonomous UAV technology for logistics and defence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 2:1 or higher in a STEM field and experience in communications or EW-resilient systems.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential travel to exciting, contested environments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Windracers develops and operates large autonomous fixed-wing UAVs designed for logistics, humanitarian, and defence applications. Our aircraft combine long-range capability with advanced autonomy to operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. As we scale our programmes and operate in increasingly contested environments, we are seeking a Communications & EW Resilience Engineer to take ownership of end-to-end command, control, and navigation resilience across our platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Navigation Resilience
- Research, specify and assist with integration of GNSS receivers, antennas, and supporting software
- Assess and mitigate vulnerability to GNSS jamming and spoofing
- Support complementary navigation approaches (e.g. inertial, vision-based, terrain-aided)
- Gracefully handle navigation integrity failure ensuring appropriate autonomous behaviour and operator-in-the-loop reporting/decision making
- Communications Resilience (Air & Ground)
- End-to-end ownership of the command-and-control chain from operator equipment to aircraft
- Multiple, dissimilar communications paths (LOS RF, SATCOM, 4G etc.) with defined priorities
- Frequency agility and configuration management to reduce susceptibility to jamming
- Antenna diversity and placement optimised for resilience, not just nominal performance
- Robust ground station and RC transmitter configuration to avoid operator-induced failure modes
- Testing, Integration & Operations
- Plan and execute laboratory, ground and flight testing covering the full communications chain
- Lead EW-representative testing, including controlled jamming and interference
- Support investigation of communications or navigation-related incidents
- Threat Awareness
- Maintain awareness of the electronic warfare threat picture affecting UAS operations in Ukraine and similar contested environments
- Track observed tactics, techniques, and effects relating to jamming, spoofing and RF denial
- Willingness to travel to contested regions to gather firsthand technical insight or provide engineering support (desirable not essential)
Candidate Profile
- Experience & Education
- 2:1 or higher in a STEM discipline
- Experience delivering communications or EW-resilient systems end to end
- Background in aerospace, UAVs, defence, telecoms, or high-reliability systems
- Technical Skills
- Strong grounding in RF communications and system integration
- Hands-on experience with radios, antennas, GNSS and networking equipment
- Experience integrating into flight control systems
- Ability to work in C/C++, Python, or similar environments
- Mindset & Attributes
- Delivery-focused, with a bias toward implementation over analysis
- Comfortable owning problems across air, ground, and software domains
- Pragmatic understanding of EW realities
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Willingness to work in the defence sector and undergo security checks as required
Employment Details
- Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
- Location: Primarily on-site in Fareham (PO15 5TX), with hybrid working supported
- Department: Engineering
Communications & EW Resilience Engineer in Fareham employer: Windracers
Contact Detail:
Windracers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Communications & EW Resilience Engineer in Fareham
β¨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and donβt be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research Windracers and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills in RF communications and system integration can contribute to their projects. We want to see your passion and how you can fit into their team!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Whether itβs through a portfolio or during interviews, highlight your practical work with radios, antennas, and GNSS systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical skills and problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, weβre always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take ownership of their roles and make an impact in the field of autonomous UAVs.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications & EW Resilience Engineer in Fareham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Communications & EW Resilience Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RF communications, system integration, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with UAVs and how your background in aerospace or defence makes you a great fit for us. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Donβt forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention your hands-on experience with radios, antennas, and GNSS systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Itβs straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Windracers
β¨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure youβre well-versed in RF communications, GNSS systems, and the latest in electronic warfare. Brush up on your hands-on experience with radios and antennas, as well as your coding skills in C/C++ or Python. Being able to discuss specific projects where you've integrated these technologies will really impress.
β¨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to showcase your ability to tackle complex issues across air, ground, and software domains. Think of examples where youβve successfully navigated challenges in communications resilience or dealt with jamming and spoofing. This will show that you can own problems and deliver solutions effectively.
β¨Stay Current on Threat Awareness
Familiarise yourself with the current electronic warfare landscape, especially regarding UAS operations in contested environments like Ukraine. Being able to discuss recent tactics and techniques will demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the field.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the companyβs projects and future directions in UAV technology. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Asking about their approach to testing and integration can lead to a great discussion!