Role Overview
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
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