Mesh Network Engineer (SDR & MANET Systems)

Department: Technical Development

Employment Type: Permanent employee

Schedule: Full-time

Seniority: Experienced

Location: München

At Hive Robotics, we are developing secure networking technologies for next-generation unmanned platforms and RF communication systems. Our focus is on high-performance, low-latency based mesh networking over software-defined radios, designed to operate reliably in dynamic and highly crowded environments. 
As a Mesh Network Engineer, you will design, implement, and optimize the low-level mesh networking stack, with a strong emphasis on Layer 2 and below. Your work will enable reliable, encrypted IP communication across mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) under challenging RF conditions.

• Design, develop, andmaintainlow-level embeddedmesh networking stackfor wireless, decentralized, and mobile ad-hoc systems.
• Designand implement a custom mesh layer atLayer 2or belowto minimize IP packet latency in high-interference and jammed environments.
• Optimizemesh networking for bandwidth efficiency, latency, fast convergence, and resilience in rapidly changing topologies.
• Build tight integration between the IP stack and the underlying mesh layer, enabling intelligent packet handling, prioritization, and recovery.
• Integrate cryptographic, encryption, and key management mechanisms into embedded communication pipelines.
• Collaborate closely with SDR, RF, hardware, and systems teams to align networking software with radio architectures and waveform constraints.
• Support system-level testing, validation, and performance analysis in simulation, lab, and field environments.
• Participate in defining communication architectures, including routing strategies, quality of service (QoS), time-of-flight, synchronization, and network resilience.
• Contribute to design documentation, system integration, and continuous improvement of communication frameworks.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Communications Engineering, ora relatedfield.
• 7+ years of proven experience with wireless networking and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs).
• Strong understanding of MAC (Layer 2), Network (Layer 3), and Transport (Layer 4) protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and congestion control.
• Solid background in embedded Linux networking, including the Linux IP stack; strong proficiency in C/C++.
• Demonstrated ability to design or modify low-level networking layers to meet strict latency and reliability constraints.
• Experience with cryptography, encryption, and key management for embedded or wireless communication systems.
• Familiarity with Linux-based embedded platforms, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and network stacks.
• Ability to work independently, take technical ownership, and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills in English; German is a plus.
• Based in Munich or willing to relocate.
• ExperiencedevelopingLinux kernel space, particularly networkingsubsystemsor drivers.
• Knowledge of secure communication frameworks such as TLS, DTLS, IPsec, or custom lightweight protocols.
• Familiarity with routing approaches for dynamic mesh networks (e.g., OLSR, BATMAN, AODV, DSR).
• Hands-on experience with network simulation and analysis tools (ns-3,OMNeT++,Scapy).
• Background in cybersecurity, resilient communications, or interference-aware system design.
• Strong practical interest in SDRs, RF systems, wireless communications, or distributed robotic platforms.

Why Join Us 

• Work on deep-tech mesh networking and secure communications that enable real-world autonomous systems.
• Tackle low-level networking and RF-constrained problems where performance truly matters.
• Influence core architecture decisions in a high-impact, early-stage engineering environment.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team across robotics, RF, and embedded systems.
• Competitive compensation,relocationsupport, and growth opportunities within an innovative European robotics company.