Multi-Domain Communications Engineer

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Salt Lake City, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Multi-Domain Communications Systems Architect will lead the design and implementation of resilient, multi-layered communications architectures supporting Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), and a broader family of systems across multiple subsidiaries. This role is responsible for defining Information Exchange Requirements (IERs), architecting hybrid communications networks, and developing PACE plans that ensure reliable connectivity between air, maritime, and ground assets. The position plays a critical role in enabling interoperability across subsidiary platforms, integrating disparate systems into a unified ecosystem, and ensuring seamless data flow from edge sensors to decision-makers. The ideal candidate understands how to extend networks using distributed Points of Presence (PoPs)—including UAS, USVs, tethered systems, and ground nodes—to support persistent ISR, command and control (C2), and sensor-to-shooter workflows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Network Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in tactical communications, RF systems, or network architecture
Strong understanding of: MANET and mesh networking systems RF propagation, antennas, and spectrum management SATCOM architectures (LEO/MEO/GEO) IP networking (Layer 2/Layer 3 routing, QoS, network design)
Experience developing PACE plans in operational environments
Ability to translate mission requirements into scalable communications architectures
Experience working across multiple systems or platforms in an integration-focused role

Nice To Haves

Experience with UAS, USVs, or multi-domain unmanned systems
Familiarity with tactical radios (e.g., Doodle Labs, Silvus, Radionor, Domo Tactical)
Experience integrating airborne and maritime relay architectures
Knowledge of ATAK or similar tactical C2 systems
Background in contested communications environments (EW, jamming, denied environments)
Experience working in or across multiple business units or subsidiaries
Prior military experience in communications, signal, or network operations

Responsibilities

Information Exchange Requirements (IER) Development Define and document IERs across UAS, USVs, ground systems, and enterprise networks
Identify data flows between platforms, sensors, payloads, and command nodes (e.g., FMV, telemetry, targeting data, autonomy outputs)
Establish requirements for latency, bandwidth, prioritization, and reliability across multi-domain operations
Map mission threads such as ISR, swarm coordination, comms relay, and sensor-to-shooter into network architectures
Ensure IER alignment across subsidiaries to enable interoperability and shared capability development
Multi-Domain Communications Architecture Design Architect end-to-end communications solutions spanning air, maritime, and ground domains
Design networks that integrate platforms from multiple subsidiaries into a unified family of systems
Develop multi-transport communications layers, including: MANET (IP mesh networks) for distributed local connectivity RF LOS links for high-throughput tactical operations SATCOM (LEO/MEO/GEO) for beyond-line-of-sight reachback LTE/5G for permissive or domestic environments
Design and implement distributed Points of Presence (PoPs), including: UAS as airborne relay nodes USVs as maritime network extension nodes or SATCOM gateways Ground control stations and mobile command nodes Tethered or persistent systems for extended coverage
Enable seamless data transport between platforms regardless of originating subsidiary or system architecture
PACE Planning (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) Develop and implement robust PACE plans across all platforms and mission sets
Ensure communications resilience in contested, degraded, or denied environments
Define failover logic across multiple links (e.g., MANET → SATCOM → low-bandwidth RF)
Implement link prioritization strategies to ensure mission-critical data delivery
Account for domain-specific challenges (airborne movement, maritime dynamics, terrain, spectrum congestion)
Communications Security & Cybersecurity Hardening Define and enforce security requirements across all layers of the communications stack, from RF through application
Implement RF link hardening measures including frequency agility, spread spectrum, LPI/LPD waveform selection, and EMCON protocols
Design network segmentation strategies to isolate platform traffic, limit lateral movement, and protect C2 channels
Apply endpoint hardening to edge compute nodes, GCS hardware, radios, and payload interfaces across UAS and USV platforms
Ensure encryption is enforced at rest and in transit across all inter-platform data flows
Evaluate platforms and integrations for supply chain risk, Foreign Ownership Control or Influence (FOCI) exposure, and hardware/firmware integrity
Support cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing coordination, and vulnerability remediation across communications infrastructure
Maintain awareness of EW threats and incorporate countermeasures into architecture and PACE planning
Systems Integration & Interoperability Integrate multi-vendor communications systems across UAS, USVs, and ground systems
Ensure interoperability between air, maritime, and terrestrial networks
Enable integration into tactical C2 ecosystems (e.g., ATAK or equivalent)
Support integration of radios, antennas, compute modules, and networking stacks across platforms
Work with software teams to ensure communications layers support autonomy, AI, and data fusion
Support future integration with joint identification systems and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) architectures as platform capabilities mature
Technical Analysis & Testing Conduct RF propagation analysis across air and maritime environments
Perform link budget analysis for multiple operational scenarios
Evaluate tradeoffs between range, throughput, SWaP, and platform constraints
Plan and execute lab and field testing (airborne and maritime) to validate communications performance
Identify capability gaps and recommend emerging technologies to improve system resilience and performance