Working within the defence sector our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Layer 2-3 Link and Network Protocol Software Lead to join our growing team in the defence sector.The role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a cross-layer development team to take forward and develop these emerging technologies, to enable a new generation of secure, interoperable and resilient defence hardened, military off the shelf (MOTS) C5 hardware solutions and products, aligned with defence end user requirements. The work, which will involve classified elements, will require candidates to obtain UK security clearance.
As Layer 2-3 Lead you will work in a multidisciplinary delivery team, steered by Chief Scientist and Chief Engineer, you will be responsible for implementing, testing and supporting acoustic protocol developments in this this new family of products.
You will be responsible for implementation of emerging Layer 2 (link) and Layer 3 (network) acoustic protocols and supporting future development and innovations to align these protocols with defence end user tactical communication requirements.
You will develop and help specify cross layer interfaces to support advanced link and network layer capabilities including adaptive and directed beamforming, adaptive modulation, adaptive media access control (MAC) strategies, and advanced hybrid ARQ methods etc.
A security clearance is required due to the sensitive nature of the related projects.
Drive the design, development, and implementation of new and emerging networking protocols for Layer 1-3, tailored to ultra-challenging domains such as tactical, high-latency, and bandwidth-constrained environments.Performance Optimization: Build high-performance, low-latency solutions optimized for real-time and mission-critical applications in dynamic and constrained settings.Testing and Validation: Devise and execute test plans to evaluate protocol performance, reliability, and interoperability under extreme operating conditions.Multiplatform Build and Deployment: Develop, test, and deploy code using multiplatform build tools (e.g., CMake, Bazel) and deployment pipelines that ensure cross-platform compatibility and efficient capability delivery.Ensure protocols meet stringent security requirements, implementing innovative techniques to protect sensitive data against emerging threats.Create detailed design and implementation documentation and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team and broader industry forums.
Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one (must be eligible under government or defence sector requirements).Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.Expertise in programming languages like C, C++, and/or Rust, with a focus on low-level networking development, preferably against defence related requirements.Strong understanding of networking concepts, including Layer 1-3 fundamentals, and a passion for creating innovative solutions beyond existing standards.Proficiency in multiplatform build and deployment tools such as CMake, Bazel, Make, or Ninja, and version control systems like Git.Proficiency in developing and applying tools for embedded system performance analysis and debugging.
constrained environments, such as tactical networks or satellite systems….