Principal Systems Engineer

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.