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Senior RF Engineer

Helsing· Hardware Engineering
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Washington, DCfull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

RF Engineer for Communications and Networking designing, developing, and deploying advanced datalink systems for UAS communications in contested environments, owning radio communication end-to-end within new product design and iterations.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS datalink architectures, including point-to-point and mesh network topologies for resilient communications
  • Develop robust, encrypted communication links for UAS operating in non-cooperative, contested, and denied environments
  • Integrate tactical C2 networks with UAS platforms, including systems such as IBCS, Tactical Scalable Mesh (TSM), and other military communication standards
  • Stay on top of the market to identify existing, promising, or missing RF solutions
  • Test, validate, and integrate radio systems into newly developed and existing products, meeting customer and internal requirements
  • Obtain US FCC spectrum approvals and manage frequency coordination for testing and operations in US regulatory environments
  • Collaborate with governmental bodies to obtain permissions for licensed bands and power outputs
  • Design and implement Software Defined Radio (SDR) solutions with RF frontends, modem implementations, and application interfaces
  • Conduct RF link budget analysis and performance modeling to ensure datalink reliability
  • Work with external partners to access equipment and build internal lab capabilities for tests
  • Shape discussions as a go-to expert for radio communications and serve as a technical authority for US customer engagements

Qualifications

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
  • Several years of experience designing and deploying military datalinks, mesh networks, or tactical communications systems
  • Deep knowledge of military and civil communication technologies including Software Defined Radios, data links, air-to-air and air-to-ground communications, mesh networking protocols (e.g., MANET), network management, and secure communications
  • Experience integrating UAS with tactical C2 networks and understanding military communication architectures and interoperability standards
  • Strong understanding of how radio technology works and its limitations
  • Experience with US FCC spectrum management, frequency allocation processes, and compliance with US regulatory requirements
  • Knowledge of RF link design, including antenna design, propagation modeling, and link budget analysis
  • Understanding encryption and cybersecurity requirements for military communications (AES-256 and COMSEC)
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external organizations (including US government agencies and defense contractors)
  • Pragmatic approach and ability to validate calculated expectations in real-world settings

Skills

Required:UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS datalink designEncrypted communicationsC2 network integrationRF link budgetSoftware Defined Radio

Benefits

  • Insurance coverage (medical and travel)
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Remote and/or hybrid work options depending on position
  • Generous compensation package and other benefits as applicable
Last updated Jul 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Helsing

Helsing | Artificial intelligence to protect our democracies

AI for electronic warfareAI-enabled precision mass and autonomous systemsAutonomous air dominanceMass defence manufacturingRecce strike softwareUnderwater autonomous massliquid-ai-recruiting-target
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