Communications and Network Engineer

You will be part of a small, highly capable multidisciplinary engineering team working on Kraken Technology’s autonomous and uncrewed maritime platforms. The team combines systems, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering expertise to deliver production‑ready vessels for defence, security, and commercial customers.

The Communications & Network Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, testing, and support of secure and resilient communications and networking systems across Kraken’s vessels and supporting shore infrastructure. The role is critical to enabling command, control, data exchange, and situational awareness for uncrewed surface and subsurface operations in challenging maritime environments.

• Design, implement and maintain onboard and shore-based communications and network architectures
• Integrate RF, cellular (4G/5G), satellite and line-of-sight communication systems
• Support resilient and redundant communications strategies for challenging environments
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs and encryption solutions
• Ensure networks are secure, reliable and suitable for mission-critical applications
• Support secure data exchange across systems and platforms
• Support system integration across vessels, payloads, sensors and control systems
• Participate in commissioning, testing, sea trials and customer demonstrations
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues during integration and operation
• Work closely with software, autonomy, electrical and systems engineers
• Provide technical support during operational deployments and post-trial reviews
• Contribute to cross-functional problem solving and continuous improvement
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams and configuration records
• Ensure systems are implemented in line with required standards and best practice

• Strong understanding of IP networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching, VLANs, QoS)
• Experience with secure network configuration including firewalls, VPNs and encryption
• Ability to integrate communications systems on mobile or mission-critical platforms
• Proven experience in a communications, network or systems engineering role
• Experience configuring and supporting secure networks
• Experience working with complex technical systems in operational environments

• Experience in maritime, defence, aerospace or autonomous systems environments
• Familiarity with tactical or C5ISR communications architectures
• Experience with satellite or radio communication systems
• Knowledge of redundancy, failover and resilient network design
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP or CompTIA Network+
• Experience supporting systems through trials or operational deployment

• Take ownership of tasks and deliver work to a high standard
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines
• Manage workload to meet deadlines and priorities
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders
• Approach challenges with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset

• Work on innovative, real-world engineering challenges
• Be part of a highly capable and collaborative team
• Gain hands-on experience across cutting-edge technologies
• Make a direct impact on advanced maritime systems and operations

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance.  Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.  Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.