Electronic Warfare & Communications Engineer vacancies

Do you have experience within Electronic Warfare, Electronic Communications or have an interest in using your engineering background (Electronic or Software) for the good of the nation? If so then we have a role for you.

The Electronic Warfare & Communications Group is the lead for specialist Communications and Electronic Warfare aspects of Dstl’s Counter Terrorism and Security capability.

We provide science and engineering support for military and security operations and conduct research and development in areas including Electronic countermeasures (historically focused on countering improvised explosive devices); cellular and mobile protocols; wireless communications and electronic surveillance; electromagnetic compatibility; and radio-frequency directed energy weapons for the purpose of Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism Systems of the UK.
The Group’s purpose is to provide Users with state of the art technological developments that confers operational advantage and freedom of action. The Group is one of the largest and most technically diverse groups within Dstl, and we have opportunities for a number of experienced Engineers & Scientists to join our growing capability.

Dstl salary levels are as follows:

Each level requires a different skillset/ requirements: Level 4: Be a team member, Level 5/6: Influential technical member. 

Level 4: £27,620 – £32,055
Level 5: £35,970 – £41,728
Level 6: £44,667 – £51,529

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

Here in the group we are looking for multiple hires across all the teams. We are looking for those people who match one of the roles below:

1. Electronics Systems Engineer x 1 Lvl 4 or 5

Fancy working on state-of-the-art Defence projects protecting the UK and overseas against Electronic Warfare as an Electronic Systems Engineer with a good understanding of electronics, RF communications, network and software engineering that may include; embedded hardware and software research and product design, software defined radio, systems engineering, and EW? Then, if you’ve got what it takes come and work for the best of the best.

2. RF Trials Engineer x 1 Lvl 4

We are looking for an enthusiastic RF Trials Engineer to work on state-of-the-art Defence projects protecting the UK and overseas against RCIED’s and drones using Electronic Warfare. Would you enjoy working on Military Vehicles and drones countering IEDs. You could be working in a laboratory testing equipment, out in the field conducting trials across the UK, and responding to urgent requests from the Army to protect the troops on the ground. Then apply here for a rewarding and exciting job.

3. Deputy Spectrum Manager x 1 Lvl 5 or 6

CT&S have a key role that is critical to Dstl activity- are you up for the challenge and have the expertise and networks to:
• Ensure that all experimentation (trials or lab work) using RF spectrum is appropriately licensed and adhere to Dstl and MOD Policy on matters of safety and legality, and that this is sufficiently well captured to enable co-ordination and tracking of activity across Dstl. 
• Perform as a Deputy Spectrum Manager supporting the Spectrum Manager for all Spectrum co-ordination within Dstl.
• Support regular engagement with all government departments and key civilian authorities dependent on safe use of managed RF spectrum?

4. Open CPI Software Engineer x 1 Lvl 4,5 or 6

“Do you want to be a World Class Expert? 
We are looking for someone to work with our World Class Expert  – currently our Leading Expert in Open Standard Software Architectures/Development – OpenVPX, GVA, MORA, OpenCPI, or JICD 4.2 CSi and critical to next generation Electronic Countermeasure systems.
We are keen to identify his successor by working alongside with him and having the opportunity to access a dedicated Learning and Development plan. 
We are looking for someone who wants to generate their own expertise in this domain and is keen to make a career of this role. You could be a graduate or someone with equivalent skills already in the software architectures/development domain. Level/Salary will depend on your skills and experience.”

5. Electronics Engineer x 1 Lvl 3 or 4

The ET&S team provides the first level interpretation of a new ECM threat. The teams analysis helps direct UK equipment enhancements to support UK forces. The role encapsulates interpreting threats and exploiting the potential for future threat material. Supporting trials and user groups through equipment development and adaptation. The role allows a certain level of self-development as well as structured training as required for the role.

6. RF Test & Measurement Engineer x 1 Lvl 4 or 5

“We are looking for an RF Engineer with niche specialises in Test & Measurement 
• Test & Measurement of Military RF Systems (Electronic Counter Measures) through Laboratory & field trial activities.
• Data analysis and production of test reports, visualisations etc.
• Engagement with Industry capability suppliers and military stakeholders.”

7. Research Scientist / Engineer x 2 Lvl 4,5 or 6

“We are looking for a Scientist/Engineer who can apply their skills and problem solving abilities to a wide range of Electronic Countermeasure research technical challenges.
The breadth of research is quite broad and includes the following areas (but is not limited to): 
• Signal and protocol vulnerability analysis;
• Mathematics;
• Machine & Deep Learning for wireless signal classification;
• System implementation on SDR (using VHDL, Verilog);
• Antennas & Electromagnetics design & Development 
• CST Modelling & Simulation
• RF Test & Measurement;
• Computer Science/Software Development in AR/VR.”

8. Digital Signal Processing Scientist \ Engineer x 1 Lvl 4,5 or 6

“Do you want to be a World Class Expert? 
We are looking for someone to work with our World Class Expert  – currently our Leading Expert in Radio Frequency Test & Measurrement, Neural Network Design and Digital Signal Processing Applications – to name but a few of his specialist skill areas.
We are keen to identify his successor by workling alongside with him and having the opportunity to access a dedicated Learning and Development plan. 
Our World Class Expert:
* uses tools such as Matlab, has skills and experience in RF Test & Measurement and has a good Mathematical sense.
* works on research projects  across government including the MOD and Home Office. 
We are looking for someone who wants to generate their own expertise in this domain and is keen to make a career of this role. You could be a graduate or someone with equivalent skills already in the RF Engineering domain. Level/Salary will depend on your skills and experience.”

9. Senior RF Engineer x 1 Lvl 5

The EWC Operational Support Team provides a counter-IED capability directly to deployed personnel nationally and overseas. Working alongside the other teams within the Group, as well as across the Division, we deliver and support the final delivery of equipment’s and solutions to the customer.

10. Electronics Engineer – Wireless Networks x 4 Lvl 4

Be part of the team delivering Science and Technology (S&T) for rapidly evolving cellular/mobile protocols, Wi-Fi and IoT in support of Dstl’s Counter Terrorism and Security capability. Provide cutting edge wireless network technology advice across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments (OGDs). 

11. Senior Electronics Engineer – Wireless Networks x 3 Lvl 5

Be an influential technical member of the team delivering Science and Technology (S&T) for rapidly evolving cellular/mobile protocols, Wi-Fi and IoT in support of Dstl’s Counter Terrorism and Security capability. Provide cutting edge wireless network technology advice across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments (OGDs). 

12. Principal Electronics Engineer – Wireless Networks x 1 Lvl 6

Be a senior technical leader for the team delivering Science and Technology (S&T) for rapidly evolving cellular/mobile protocols, Wi-Fi and IoT in support of Dstl’s Counter Terrorism and Security capability. Provide cutting edge wireless network technology advice across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments (OGDs). 

13. Electronics Engineer Technician – Wireless Networks x 1 Lvl 3

Be the electronics technician supporting the team delivering Science and Technology (S&T) for rapidly evolving cellular/mobile protocols, Wi-Fi and IoT in support of Dstl’s Counter Terrorism and Security capability. Provide cutting edge wireless network technology advice across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments (OGDs). 

14. EMC Systems Engineer – RF and Microwave x 3 Lvl 4,5 & 6

L4 – We are looking for an individual with rudimentary understanding and a basic level of experience in Electromagnetic Compatibility and/or Electromagnetic Pulse effects, and/or RF & Microwave test and measurement, with the desire to expand their knowledge. You will join a team supporting customer research and capability delivery on state-of-the-art defence/security programmes.
L5 – We are looking for an individual with a deep level of knowledge and experience in Electromagnetic Compatibility biased towards a military environment and/or Electromagnetic Pulse effects, and RF & Microwave engineering. You will join a team in a senior role, providing support/influence to customer research and capability delivery on state-of-the-art defence/security programmes across multi-stakeholder communities.
L6 – We are looking for an individual with expert knowledge and experience in Electromagnetic Compatibility across all environments (military + commercial) and/or Electromagnetic Pulse effects, and RF & Microwave engineering. You will lead the technical direction of the team in alignment with Defence/Dstl policy, to support/influence customer research and capability delivery on state-of-the-art defence/security programmes across multi-stakeholder communities.

15. Principal RF Engineer – High Power RF Directed Energy Weapons L6 x 2

The role is required to lead and deliver research, development and assessment of novel high power radio frequency technologies, with focus as a technical partner leading and directing extra mural research and experimentation within industry and academia. The primary focus of the team is to provide expertise, innovation, research, development and advice to MOD customers on the topic of systems employing high power Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW).

16. System-Scale Engineer – High Power RF Directed Energy Weapons x 2 Lvl 5 or 6

Working with industry and academia the role is required to lead and deliver in two areas; on the systemisation and introduction into service of Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW), and provision of expertise on the commissioning, failure, resilience and fault recovery aspects of complex target equipment. The primary focus of the team is to provide expertise, innovation, research, development and advice to MOD customers on the topic of systems employing high power Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW).

17. RF Communications Engineer x 2 Lvl 4,5 or 6

RF Engineer to specialise (or niche already) in Military Comms – You will provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

18. RF Network Engineer x 1 Lvl 4 or 5

RF Engineer to specialise (or niche already) in wired communication Networks and networking protocols – You will provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

19. RF SDR (Hardware & Software) Engineer x 1 Lvl 4 or 5

RF Engineer to specialise (or niche already) in Software Defined Radio (SDR) Hardware and Software – You will provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

20. RF/ C4IS Systems Engineer x 1 Lvl 5 or 6

RF Engineer with niche specialisms in C4IS Systems – You will provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

21. Electronics Engineer x 2 Lvl 3

Electronic engineer to provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

22. Electronic / RF Engineer x 1 Lvl 6

Electronic/RF engineer to provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. It is expected that this role will involve working across a wide area of the groups portfolio providing expertise on integrating technical advances into existing and future systems for real world applications. Team Members work independently with minimal supervision or leading a small team, liaising with customers/end users, PMs and programme mangers/military advisers to lead the delivery of projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

23. RF / Electronics Engineer x 1 Lvl 4

RF/Electronic engineer to provide direct operational support through a specialist range of technical projects within the Communications and Electronic Warfare domains as well as carrying out test, evaluation and exploitation activities through high profile and leading edge research and system development. It is expected that the team member will work across a wide area of the groups portfolio to provide expertise on developing and integrating technical advances into existing and future systems for real world applications. Team Members work independently with some supervision or within a small team, directly contributing to various projects of varying size, duration and urgency, whose output directly supports UK Defence Operations.

• Experience in any of the roles / fields highlighted in the description section.
• An aptitude to undertake scientific analysis from experimental results, formulate conclusions and propose viable recommendations
• Ability to conduct a variety of activities to ensure system hardware and software are robust and resilient and suitable for operational use.
• A flexible approach to work and an eagerness to respond to urgent customer requirements at short notice
• Ability to rapidly adapt to changes in the work that is carried out day-to-day and efficiently gain skills in new and unfamiliar technologies
• A demonstrable interest in science and technology

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Leadership
• Working Together

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Please tell us which role you are applying for so we can ensure your application is delivered to the correct hiring manager:

  1. Electronics System Engineer Lvl 4 or 5 x 1
  2. RF Trials Engineer Lvl 4 x 1
  3. Deputy Spectrum Manager Lvl 5 or 6 x 1
  4.

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working: Full flexibility working options include alternative working patterns, compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours. Remote working may be available dependent on role.
• Flexible working hours: Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

The information pack can be found attached to the job specification on Civil Service Jobs. 

Our Diversity Networks

We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work. These include the following:

• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
• Race, Faith and Culture Network
• Parents and Carer Support Network
• Alternative Working Network
• Gender Equality Network
• New Starters Network
• Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

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This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Job contact :

• Name : Dstl recruitment team
• Email : DSTLRECRUITMENT@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk