Senior Software Engineer, 5G Physical Layer

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.

At E-Space, you’ll work on cutting-edge PHY software that sits at the heart of next-generation wireless and satellite communication systems. We offer a collaborative environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities to make a real technical impact on global connectivity.

Why E-Space is right for you:

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference

Sustainability at our core

Fair and honest workplace

Innovative thinking is encouraged

Competitive salaries

Continuous learning and development

Health and wellness care options

Financial solutions for the future

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