Electronics Design Engineer – UAV RF Communication Systems

Designation: Electronics Design Engineer – UAV RF Communication Systems

Job Description (JD):

We are seeking an experienced Electronics Design Engineer – UAV RF Communication Systems to design, develop, and optimize RF electronics for secure and long-range communication in UAV and defense applications. The role involves developing high-performance RF front ends, transceivers, and data links tailored for mission-critical UAV payloads under demanding environmental and operational conditions.

Roles & Responsibilities:

● Design and develop RF communication systems for UAVs (telemetry, command & control, video/data links).

● Work on RF front-end circuits including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, and synthesizers.

● Develop and integrate software-defined radios (SDR) and custom RF transceivers.

● Optimize antenna design, placement, and integration for UAV platforms.

● Implement secure and encrypted communication links for defense-grade applications.

● Ensure low-latency, long-range, and interference-resistant communication.

● Conduct RF testing, tuning, and validation using spectrum analyzers, VNA, and RF test equipment.

● Ensure compliance with defense communication standards, EMI/EMC, and spectrum regulations.

● Collaborate with embedded software, payload, and system integration teams.

● Prepare technical documentation, design reports, and support certification & defense qualification processes.

Key Skills & Competencies:

● Strong expertise in RF circuit design (analog & digital).

● Hands-on experience with RF transceivers, SDR platforms, and modems.

● Knowledge of modulation techniques (QPSK, OFDM, FHSS, DSSS, etc.).

● Proficiency in antenna design, RF propagation modeling, and link budget analysis.

● Familiarity with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, or equivalent).

● Strong debugging skills using spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.

● Knowledge of encryption and secure communication protocols for UAV/Defense.

● Experience with MIL-STD, DO-160, or equivalent aerospace/defense communication standards.

● Ability to design for low-SWaP, rugged UAV communication modules.

Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related field.

● 3–7 years of experience in RF communication system design, preferably in UAV/Defense domain.

● Prior experience in aerospace, defense communication systems, or UAV datalinks is highly preferred.

You can reach out to me at hr@johnnette.com