Communications DSP Engineer

Job description

Role Overview: The Aalyria Space team is seeking a highly skilled DSP Engineer to develop next-generation modem technologies for free space optical communication systems. This role sits at the intersection of advanced digital signal processing, system architecture, and real-world hardware implementation. You will design and optimize DSP algorithms and architectures that enable robust, high-throughput links across challenging channels, helping push beyond current limits in coherent communications. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning ASIC/FPGA design, RF/optical hardware, and system engineering to translate advanced algorithms into efficient, deployable modem solutions. This is a remote position that will include occasional travel to our Mountain View, CA location. Key Responsibilities: Design, develop, and optimize coherent DSP algorithms for high-speed communication systems Architect end-to-end modem DSP chains including equalization, timing recovery, carrier recovery, and FEC integration. Perform system-level modeling, simulation, and performance analysis, including link budgets and channel impairments. Develop advanced algorithms such as: Adaptive equalization Timing and carrier synchronization loops Impairment mitigation Evaluate and model optical and electrical channels, including optical components, ADC/DAC, AFE, and mixed-signal impairments. Define DSP architecture specifications for ASIC/FPGA implementation, ensuring efficient mapping to hardware. Collaborate with hardware and firmware teams to integrate DSP algorithms into modem designs. Support lab bring-up, validation, and characterization of modem systems. Analyze relevant industry standards (e.g., OIF, Ethernet, optical transport) and incorporate them into designs. Required Qualifications: Active security clearance, or the eligibility to obtain one. M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. Strong foundation in: Digital signal processing Communication theory High-speed communication system design Hands-on experience with coherent DSP or high-speed SerDes/optical systems. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for modeling and algorithm development. Experience with: Adaptive equalization and synchronization algorithms FEC techniques (e.g., LDPC, Viterbi, soft decoding) System-level simulation and performance analysis Familiarity with ASIC/FPGA implementation flows and hardware constraints. Ability to translate theoretical algorithms into practical, power- and area-efficient implementations. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. Hands-on lab experience with high-speed communication systems. Experience with developing cycle accurate fixed point system models. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with coherent optical communication systems. Knowledge of IMDD or optical transport systems. Experience with time-interleaved ADCs and calibration techniques. Familiarity with industry standards (OIF, OpenROADM, IEEE Ethernet). Exposure to RTL design (VHDL/SystemVerilog) or firmware development. What We Offer: Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications. Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives. Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement. Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter. Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules. Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options. ITAR/EAR Requirements: This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (A) Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes: U.S. citizen or national U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158 (B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization. (C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency. The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. About Aalyria: Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.