Tactical Communications Systems Engineering SME

Tactical Communications Systems Engineering SME Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Contract: Initial 12-month assignment, with potential long-term extension Salary: USD 100,000 to USD 120,000 base salary per annum, dependent on experience Additional package: Accommodation, visa and Iqama sponsorship, mobilisation and rotation flights, medical insurance and local transport Anticipated start: October 2026 The Opportunity VETWORK is supporting a specialist defence advisory programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is seeking an experienced Tactical Communications Systems Engineering SME. The successful candidate will join a client-side programmes team supporting a portfolio of defence capability acquisition and modernisation projects. This is a technical advisory position focused on tactical radio communications, tactical datalinks and secure deployed networks. You will work across several concurrent programmes, helping to translate operational needs into clear system requirements, technical specifications and procurement documentation. You will also support engagement with systems integrators, OEMs and technology suppliers throughout technical evaluation and selection activities. Key Responsibilities Engage with military and programme stakeholders to understand operational concepts, capability needs and technical constraints. Define, refine and validate user and system requirements. Maintain clear requirements traceability throughout the programme lifecycle. Develop Statements of Work, technical specifications and technical evaluation criteria. Support the preparation of RFI, RFP and RFQ documentation. Provide technical advice relating to tactical radio systems, communications networks and tactical datalinks. Support engagement with OEMs, systems integrators and technology suppliers. Assess technical proposals and contribute to structured scoring, evaluation and down-selection. Participate in architecture reviews, design reviews, technical governance and risk assessments. Advise on system interoperability, secure communications and platform integration. Support field trials, system verification and acceptance-testing activities. Work flexibly across multiple projects and stakeholder groups within the wider programmes team. Required Experience Approximately 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in military tactical communications systems engineering. Demonstrable experience supporting defence acquisition, systems development or communications modernisation programmes. Strong knowledge of Software Defined Radio systems, including architecture, waveform hosting or porting and the wider vendor landscape. Experience with tactical datalinks such as Link 16, Link 22, VMF or equivalent military standards. Understanding of tactical datalink message standards, network design, planning and management. Strong knowledge of narrowband and wideband tactical waveforms, including NATO and proprietary systems. Understanding of throughput, link-budget analysis, spectrum considerations and communications interoperability. Experience with COMSEC, TRANSEC, crypto-management concepts and secure tactical network deployment. Knowledge of tactical communications integration across vehicle-mounted, dismounted, naval or airborne platforms. Understanding of antennas, RF constraints and deployed communications design considerations. Experience supporting technical trials, verification, validation or system acceptance. Strong technical writing skills, particularly in relation to requirements, specifications, Statements of Work and evaluation reports. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary programmes team. Fluent written and spoken English. Desirable Experience Previous experience working within the GCC or wider Middle East. Experience advising ministries of defence, armed forces or government acquisition organisations. Exposure to NAF, DoDAF, MODAF or related defence architecture frameworks. Experience with multi-domain communications integration across land, air and maritime environments. Arabic language capability. Current or previous defence security clearance. Candidate Profile This role is best suited to a genuine tactical communications systems engineer rather than solely an operator, maintainer or instructor. You should be able to demonstrate both deep technical communications knowledge and experience working within a structured defence acquisition or systems-engineering environment. Strong candidates will be comfortable moving between operational users, engineers, programme teams, OEMs and systems integrators. Eligibility and Mobility Candidates must: be willing and able to relocate to Riyadh be eligible for KSA employment sponsorship and an Iqama be able to satisfy all client security, background and vetting requirements be available to mobilise within approximately four weeks of a confirmed offer Application Process Please apply with an up-to-date CV clearly demonstrating your experience in: tactical military communications SDR systems and waveforms tactical datalinks COMSEC and secure network deployment requirements engineering defence acquisition support technical specifications and Statements of Work OEM or vendor technical evaluation Applications that do not demonstrate relevant systems-engineering and defence acquisition experience are unlikely to progress.