Job description
Join Arke Telekom and Build the World's First Commercial GNSS-independent FHSS MESH Network for UAVs
Modern battlefields and critical missions depend on unmanned systems that communicate reliably — yet today's drone communication solutions are fragile, susceptible to jamming and spoofing, dependent on GPS, and not architected for the swarm era. These shortcomings make existing links insufficient for tomorrow's autonomous, AI-operated tactical systems.
Arke Telekom is developing next generation communication system to solve this. We develop defense-grade, FPGA-based Software-Defined Radio platforms delivering secure, self-healing mesh communication for tactical UAVs — with fast-frequency-hopping waveforms, cognitive radio techniques, and GNSS-independent positioning.
The Position
We are seeking a Senior VHDL Digital Communications Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, development, and testing of both hardware and FPGA-based digital signal processing systems. You will work on everything from high-speed analog/digital circuits to advanced VHDL implementations for air and ground systems, helping to build our next-gen wireless network technologies. This role offers significant upward mobility.
What You'll Work On
- Design and develop FPGA-based digital signal processing cores for our SDR waveform platform (VHDL / SystemVerilog)
- Implement and optimize physical-layer waveform algorithms: fast frequency hopping (FFH), spread-spectrum (DSSS/FHSS), OFDM, and PSK/QAM modulation schemes
- Develop and integrate modem functions including timing recovery, carrier synchronization, FEC (LDPC, convolutional codes), and channel estimation
- Interface with high-speed ADCs/DACs (e.g. AD9361/AD9364 or similar RF transceivers), manage multi-clock domains, and integrate with analog RF front-ends
- Contribute to MANET layer development: implement and validate mesh routing protocols, multi-hop scheduling, and distributed timing synchronization at the waveform level
- Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, captive-carry UAV integration tests, and field validation campaigns
- Apply cognitive radio and interference mitigation techniques including adaptive filtering and spectrum sensing
- Support prototype hardware bring-up: modem board, RF board, and SDR module integration on Xilinx/AMD Zynq or equivalent SoC platforms
- Work cross-functionally with systems, RF, and software teams; contribute to IP documentation and certification processes
- Support business development efforts through technical demos, product presentations, and OEM engagement activities
What You'll Need to Have
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred) from ODTÜ, İTÜ, TOBB, Bilkent or Hacettepe University
- 5+ years of experience in digital communications and VHDL/HDL development for FPGA or embedded systems
- 3+ years of experience in wireless communications, defense sector, or tactical radio systems
- Strong proficiency in VHDL or SystemVerilog; familiarity with Xilinx/AMD toolchains (Vivado, Vitis, HLS)
- Solid understanding of RF systems, SDR architectures, and signal chain integration (ADC/DAC interfacing, clock domain crossing, AXI bus)
- Hands-on experience with physical-layer algorithm development: modulation, synchronization, channel coding, and equalization
- Familiarity with MANET protocols, mesh networking concepts, or tactical waveform standards
- Strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Turkish citizen; ability to work in a NATO-cleared facility in Ankara
We'd Like to See
- AD9361/AD9364 or similar RF transceiver integration on FPGA platforms
- Automated test frameworks for BER and EVM measurements
- GNU Radio, MATLAB/Simulink-based waveform prototyping, or equivalent tooling
- FreeRTOS or bare-metal embedded firmware on Zynq/ARM platforms
- DO-254 FPGA design assurance or equivalent defense-grade verification practices
- Prior experience at ASELSAN, METEKSAN, ROKETSAN, or similar Turkish defense primes
- Active security clearance or eligibility for NATO-level clearance
- UAV systems integration or unmanned platform communication links
Who Thrives Here
- Engineers who want to own problems end-to-end — from algorithm concept to field test
- Collaborative communicators comfortable jumping across layers when the team needs it
- Builders: hands-on, prototype-first, eager to see hardware fly
- Individuals comfortable working in a mission-driven startup environment
Compensation and Benefits
- Selected candidates will receive a competitive compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity participation as the company scales toward series production and international commercialization. Arke Telekom offers a technically rich, mission-driven environment at the intersection of NATO defense innovation and Turkish deep-tech entrepreneurship.
• Years of Experience
Less than 5 years of experience
• Level of Education
Bachelor’s(Graduate)
• Languages
English(Reading : Advanced, Writing : Advanced, Speaking : Advanced)
