Senior Software Engineer, 5G Physical Layer

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of space-powered Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are fundamentally changing the design, economics, manufacturing, coverage limitations and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. By building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system—with a unique antenna design, highly sustainable spacecraft system and low-cost, small portable end-user devices—we can extend global satellite coverage, capacity and connectivity beyond legacy space services to provide a new kind of IoT platform that lets users sense, track, connect and act on information gathered, anywhere. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to saving space, protecting our planet and turning connectivity into actionable intelligence. As a **Senior Software Engineer focused on the 5G Physical Layer**, you will lead the design, implementation, optimization, and integration of **5G NR PHY software** for **3GPP Release 15/16/17 and beyond-5G** systems. Your work will focus on real-time, performance-critical PHY algorithms running on processor- and accelerator-based platforms, with close interaction with RF, DSP, and hardware teams. This role emphasizes **PHY algorithm implementation, real-time constraints, and RF/SoC integration**, while supporting higher-layer interfaces as needed. The position is based in **Duisburg, Germany**. ### What you will do - **5G PHY Software Design and Implementation** - Design, implement, and optimize 5G NR PHY algorithms on processor-based and heterogeneous SoC platforms - Develop software for key PHY functions such as modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, synchronization, coding/decoding, and HARQ support - Implement PHY software compliant with 3GPP Rel 15/16/17 specifications - **Hardware, RF, and Platform Integration** - Integrate 5G PHY software with RF front-end hardware and digital baseband chains - Develop and maintain hardware control software using interfaces such as I2C and SPI - Work with complex SoC architectures, including ARM, DSPs, and hardware accelerators - Develop software interfaces toward embedded accelerators and DSP blocks - **Real-Time and Embedded Systems** - Design software within strict real-time constraints and low-latency requirements - Develop on embedded Linux, DSP operating systems, and lightweight RTOS such as FreeRTOS and Zephyr - Optimize performance, memory usage, and throughput of PHY software components - **Verification, Testing, and Debug** - Create and execute PHY-level test cases and validation scenarios - Generate, analyze, and verify PHY test vectors and waveforms - Verify PHY functionality using 5G test equipment (e.g., R&S, Agilent) and commercial UEs - Debug complex PHY, timing, RF, and performance issues across software and hardware boundaries - **Technical Leadership and Delivery** - Provide effort estimation and technical input for PHY software development tasks - Support customer requests related to 5G PHY features and performance - Document PHY designs, implementations, and results in Confluence or equivalent systems - **Collaboration and Ways of Working** - Collaborate with RF, systems, hardware, and protocol stack teams to ensure clean PHY-MAC interfaces - Work effectively in a global, distributed team across Europe, India, and the U.S. - Follow SCRUM / Agile and Continuous Integration development practices - Operate autonomously while maintaining strong technical communication ### What you bring to this role - Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or equivalent - Significant professional experience as an embedded C and C/C++ software engineer - Strong background in 5G NR PHY and digital communications theory - Experience working with SDR platforms and SoC architectures - Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for PHY algorithm development and analysis - Strong understanding of real-time embedded software constraints - Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills ### Bonus Points - Deep understanding of 3GPP 5G NR PHY specifications (Rel 15/16/17+) - Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite communications - Experience implementing PHY algorithms on DSPs and hardware accelerators - Strong understanding of link budgets, channel models, and RF impairments - Experience with waveform generation, PHY simulation, and lab bring-up ### Additional Requirements This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.