RF Hardware Design Engineer or Lead

• Design and implement wireless communication systems for command & control (C2), telemetry, video transmission, and payload communication. 
• Select and integrate RF modules, antennas, and wireless protocols suited for UAV use cases (e.g., LoRa, LTE/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, RF mesh, ISM bands, MANET, etc.) 
• Perform RF link budgeting, propagation analysis, and coverage simulations considering range, LOS/NLOS, and environmental conditions. 
• Develop and test redundant communication systems for mission-critical operations. Integrate secured wireless protocols ensuring encryption, authentication, and jamming resistance. 
• Validate communication system performance through field testing, spectrum analysis, and latency/jitter/throughput measurement. Collaborate with avionics, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless wireless subsystem integration. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant frequency regulations (WPC/ITU/DoT) and EMI/EMC standards. 
• Debug interference or connectivity issues and work on mitigation techniques (e.g., shielding, filtering, antenna isolation). 

Maintain documentation for system design, interface specifications, testing, and field reports.
Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of wireless communication protocols and modulation techniques (e.g., OFDM, DSSS, FHSS, QPSK, etc.) 
• Hands-on experience with RF hardware, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and antenna tuning tools. 
• Experience with antenna design, selection, and placement for airborne systems. 
• Knowledge of network architecture and routing protocols for mesh and multi-hop UAV networks. Familiarity with real-time data links for HD video, telemetry, and control signals. 
• Understanding of RF interference management and co-existence strategies.