RF Engineer

ABOUT US STARK is a defence technology company redefining the engineering and deployment of autonomous platforms. Our core mission is to deliver fully operational unmanned systems, integrating the critical subsystems, including Electronic Warfare, necessary for NATO forces to maintain a decisive advantage in contested environments. We do whatever is required to achieve platform autonomy, grounded in precision, responsibility, and uncompromising engineering discipline. YOUR MISSION At STARK, we are building the next generation of autonomous platforms capable of navigating the world’s most contested environments. We are currently hiring for multiple Software Engineering positions where the primary mission is to ensure our fleet maintains command, control, and situational awareness against near-peer threats. Electronic Warfare (EW) is at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for engineers who are passionate about the electromagnetic spectrum and eager to join a team that lives and breathes RF. Whether you specialise in signal processing, communications, or EW effects, your background in EW and high-performance C++ is what matters most. We prioritise deep expertise and a drive to solve complex problems over meeting every single sub-specialty requirement. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design high-performance C++ software for real-time signal processing, waveform manipulation, and mission-critical EW functions. * Develop anti-jamming techniques, frequency hopping (FHSS), and adaptive filtering to bypass active electronic countermeasures. * Design algorithms for RF sensing, signal detection, and situational awareness to identify and neutralise threats in dynamic environments. * Collaborate with hardware and systems teams to tune RF front-ends, ensuring software is perfectly calibrated to physical constraints. * Own the stack from initial design and mathematical modelling to rigorous bench testing and field trials. We are looking for candidates with a strong foundation in Modern C/C++ and a professional background in Electronic Warfare, ideally involving one or more of the following: * Deep understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, DSP, Fourier methods, and modulation theory (QAM, QPSK, OFDM). * Experience with low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) links, digital modulation schemes, and the underlying physics of RF propagation. * Proficiency in embedded systems, Linux networking, specifically regarding radio-based mesh networks or point-to-point links. * Exposure to jamming theory, threat-driven RF effects, or cognitive radio for automated interference avoidance. QUALIFICATIONS * Strong engineering skills at both the systems design and detailed implementation levels.  * Strong proficiency in modern C/C++ (memory management, concurrency, performance analysis). * Significant interest in physics/RF or a strong preexisting understanding of RF processing fundamentals and the electromagnetic spectrum. * Clear and structured communication skills for cross-functional technical collaboration. RELEVANT BACKGROUNDS  * High end system software engineering in any context where both details and system level architecture is critical to mission success * Defence & Aerospace: Radar systems, electronic countermeasures, or encrypted tactical comms * Robotics: Long-range, encrypted data links for UAS/UGV or autonomous systems. * SDR Development: Extensive experience with platforms like USRP, pluto SDR, LimeSDR and frameworks like GNU Radio. * Advanced Engineering: Backgrounds in radio-waveform development, X-ray systems, or mathematically driven system design. NICE-TO-HAVE / BONUS SKILLS * Experience with MIMO antenna systems and beam-forming. * High performance computing and software benchmarking experience. * Familiarity with cryptographic standards for securing over-the-air transmissions. * Custom protocol design for low-bandwidth, high-latency environments. * Hands-on experience with RF waveform design or amateur radio. * Strong interest in physics, electromagnetic propagation, and waveform engineering. * Hands-on experience with RF waveform design and amateur radio. * Familiarity with wireless & cable-borne data formats (QAM-64, QPSK). * Exposure to jamming theory, threat-driven RF effects, and EW tactics. * Experience in signal processing and mathematical modelling (Fourier methods, modulation theory, filtering, etc.).

ABOUT US STARK is a defence technology company redefining how autonomous and electronic warfare systems are engineered and deployed. We design, build, and operationalise high-performance electronic warfare and unmanned systems that provide NATO forces with decisive advantages in contested electromagnetic environments. Our work is grounded in precision, responsibility, and uncompromising engineering discipline. YOUR MISSION You will be the primary architect of resilient, low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) communication links for our next generation of autonomous platforms. Your mission is to ensure that STARK’s drone fleets maintain command and control integrity even in the most severe electronic warfare environments. This is a full-stack communications role where you will bridge the gap between low-level RF hardware and high-level software networking. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design and implement the complete communication software stack for unmanned systems, from physical layer waveform manipulation to network layer routing. * Develop and integrate anti-jamming techniques, frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), and low-probability-of-detection (LPD) protocols. * Architect high-reliability data links tailored for the unique constraints of small-form-factor UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) operating in contested airspace. * Write high-performance, real-time C++ code to handle high-speed data transmission and error correction algorithms (FEC). * Collaborate with hardware engineers to select and tune front-end components, ensuring the software stack is perfectly calibrated to the physical RF environment. * Research and implement adaptive filtering and cognitive radio techniques to bypass active electronic countermeasures. * Conduct rigorous bench testing and field trials to validate link stability against simulated near-peer electronic warfare threats. QUALIFICATIONS * Strong proficiency in C++ and a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and Linux networking. * A professional background in Electronics Engineering with a specific focus on communication systems and digital signal processing (DSP). * Practical experience with the OSI model, specifically how it applies to radio-based mesh networks and point-to-point links. * Deep understanding of digital modulation schemes (OFDM, DSSS, GFSK) and the underlying physics of RF propagation. * The ability to debug complex timing issues and signal degradation at the hardware/software boundary. RELEVANT BACKGROUNDS * Experience building or maintaining long-range, encrypted data links for robotic platforms. * Extensive experience with platforms like USRP or LimeSDR and frameworks like GNU Radio. * Background in military-grade communication standards (e.g., Link 16, MANET) or secure satellite communications. * Strong mathematical grounding in channel capacity, noise floors, and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) optimisation. NICE-TO-HAVE / BONUS SKILLS * Experience with custom protocol design for low-bandwidth, high-latency environments. * Familiarity with cryptographic standards for securing over-the-air transmissions. * Knowledge of MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antenna systems and beam-forming. * Interest in the intersection of Al/ML and cognitive radio for automated interference avoidance.