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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