_{15th July, 2026}

Protocol Stack Engineer | Next-Gen Wireless Comms | Start up | Oxford / Hybrid | £80,000pa - £90,000pa:
  
A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen for a Protocol Stack Engineer to have a major impact in the development of next generation wireless communications. Our client is an early stage, fast paced, independently funded start up, with strong links to the University of Oxford. Led by a talented team with considerable sector experience and specialist subject knowledge, their mission is to enable safe and efficient communication systems which will ultimately protect our way of life.
  
The Protocol Stack Engineer will design, implement, and optimise advanced wireless communication software for secure and resilient communication systems. This role focuses on the development of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocol stack components within modern wireless systems, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and custom SDR-based networks. The successful candidate will work across embedded software, modem integration, and real-time communications environments to deliver high-performance and robust wireless solutions.
  
Protocol Stack Engineer essential experience:

• degree in Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience;
• strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ software development for real-time or low-level systems;
• hands-on experience developing or integrating modem software for one or more wireless technologies, including cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth, or SDR-based systems;
• strong understanding of wireless communication protocols and modem stack architectures;
• experience implementing or debugging L2/L3 protocol stack functionality, including one or more of MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, QoS, mobility management, or session management;
• familiarity with RTOS, embedded Linux, multi-threaded systems, and low-level debugging tools;
• experience using protocol analysers, logging frameworks, profiling tools, and performance optimisation techniques;
• strong analytical and debugging skills, with the ability to diagnose issues across multiple layers of the modem stack;
• ability to collaborate effectively with PHY/DSP, FPGA, RF, systems, and software engineering teams;
• eligibility to work on projects related to the UK Defence and Security sector.

Desirable 

• 5+ years of industry experience in modem, embedded wireless, or protocol-stack software development;
• deep expertise in one or more of:
• 4G LTE or 5G NR protocol stacks;
• Wi-Fi (802.11) protocol development;
• Bluetooth/BLE protocol implementation;
• modem architecture and system-level design;
• experience working with 3GPP, IEEE, STANAG, or other military/communications standards;
• familiarity with SDR frameworks and platforms such as srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, GNU Radio, or USRP-based systems;
• experience with modem validation, interoperability testing, field trials, or network integration activities;
• understanding of radio resource management, link adaptation, scheduling, handover, mobility management, and QoS mechanisms;
• familiarity with DSP concepts and interaction between PHY and higher protocol layers;
• experience optimising software for multi-core embedded systems, hardware accelerators, or low-power platforms;
• experience working in secure, mission-critical, or defence-related communications environments.

If you’re a Protocol Stack Engineer with an expertise in advanced wireless communication systems, and you’re looking for a career defining role which will shape the future of wireless communications, then MARS would like to hear from you.
  
MARS Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from suitably qualified applicants regardless of race, colour, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status. Suitable candidates for the role will be contacted within 3 working days, unfortunately if you haven’t heard back in this time your application has been unsuccessful at this time
  
MARS Recruitment is a specialist Engineering & IT recruiter working in partnership with companies across the UK and offers services of both an Employment Business (for Temporary/Contract roles) and an Employment Agency (for Permanent roles).

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