Principal Systems Engineer - Airborne Networks

Southampton - 3-4 days a week on site
-70 per hour (Inside IR35)

Initial 6-Month Contract

A cutting-edge opportunity has opened for a Senior or Principal Systems Engineer to support advanced research into the next generation of airborne mesh networks.

This is a high-impact role where you will work closely with a team of engineers, subcontractors, and partners, shaping how networks are designed, simulated, and optimized for airborne communication systems.

Key Accountabilities -

+ Conduct detailed research into novel approaches for network protocol design and routing algorithms.

+ Specify and execute networking simulations using third-party tools or in-house platforms.

+ Analyse and interpret data to inform design improvements.

+ Support ongoing efforts to develop and propose networking standards.

Skills and knowledge required -

+ Strong understanding of networking protocols - their layers, functions, design rationale, and alternatives.

+ Ability to design meaningful experiments and analyse complex simulation data.

Why this role?

+ Work within a highly collaborative and technically excellent team.

+ Be part of exciting R&D into future-facing airborne communications technologies.

+ Access continuous learning through mentoring, technical expertise, and structured development pathways.

Whether you''re a seasoned systems engineer or an ambitious individual eager to contribute to transformative projects, we''d love to hear from you - even if you don''t tick every box.