Join to apply for the RF Communications Engineer (AU) role at DroneShield
The ideal candidate has a strong background in digital signal processing, wireless communications, and transmission waveform/protocol analysis, with experience in physical layer algorithms development including packet and signal detection, synchronisation and channel decoding. Understanding of multiple access techniques including FHSS, TDMA, OFDMA/SC-FDMA is highly desired. The position reports to the Sensors and Effectors Principal Architect.
Overview
Work with cutting edge AI technology to advance DroneShield’s next generation of anti-drone capabilities. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) serves militaries, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and others. The Sydney headquarters houses around 380 staff in a 4,000 sqm facility, with plans to grow. International presence includes the USA, Europe, and other regions.
Responsibilities
- Research and develop DroneShield’s next generation capabilities, collaborating with ML/AI, Data Science, RF and infrastructure teams.
- Analyse real-world wireless signals to identify modulation schemes, waveform/protocol parameters and packet structures.
- Analyse and decode physical layer MIMO signal waveforms for LTE, 5G NR, Wi-Fi, and other wireless technologies.
- Understand and analyse frequency-hopped TDMA, OFDMA and SC-FDMA packet structures, including frame layouts, pilots and preambles, and control/data channels.
- Develop algorithms for signal demodulation, synchronisation, detection and decoding.
- Maintain evaluation pipelines for validating PHY layer protocols against real-world over-the-air captures.
- Conduct detailed system testing, unit testing, and performance benchmarking to ensure reliability of protocol decoding techniques.
- Collaborate with R&D; teams to provide insights on protocol behavior and anomalies.
- Document engineering analysis methodology and results clearly.
- Profile and optimise engineering analysis workflows for computational and memory efficiency in data processing and decoding.
- Implement automated processes and CI/CD pipelines for waveform processing, engineering analysis, and protocol simulation workflows.
- Read, interpret, and analyse technical specifications and standards for wireless protocols (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE, proprietary specs) to aid in mapping or reconstruction.
- Stay up to date with emerging wireless technologies, engineering analysis tools, SDR platforms, and communication standards.
Qualifications, Experience And Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in RF, communication protocols, and digital signal processing, preferably in counter-UAS or electronic warfare systems. Demonstrable in-depth hobbyist experience also considered.
- Solid knowledge of digital signal processing: linear systems, frequency domain analysis, time-frequency spectrogram analysis, filtering techniques, multirate signal processing, phase/frequency estimation, correlation, etc.
- Experience with detection and analysis of digitally modulated signals: OFDM, QPSK, QAM, FSK, and other common wireless modulations.
- Experience with MIMO space-time diversity and spatial multiplexing using multiple antennas.
- Deep understanding of multiple access techniques like FHSS, TDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA based wireless protocols: frame structures, broadcast signals, control channels, and data channels.
- Understanding of wireless channel modelling and simulation (large- and small-scale fading).
- Proficient in signal processing algorithm development and software tools: MATLAB, Python (NumPy, SciPy), GNURadio, Simulink.
- Solid understanding of RF and baseband signal chains, including ADCs, digital down converters, filters and SNR, BER, and EVM based analysis.
- Ability to analyse signals in noisy and multipath environments.
- Experience with RF test equipment, including spectrum analysers, signal generators, VNAs, oscilloscopes, etc.
Desirable attributes
- Experience with SDR platforms.
- Familiarity with real-time signal processing and embedded systems.
- Knowledge of cryptography in wireless protocols.
- MATLAB or Python programming experience for algorithm prototyping.
- Knowledge of electronic warfare (EW) systems and counter-UAS technologies.
- Knowledge of machine learning concepts and how they are applied to RF sensing.
Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.
Employment details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
- Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
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