Communications Network Engineer

Spire Global; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A space-to-cloud analytics company is seeking a Network Engineer to develop and support IP-based communication networks for their satellite constellation. The role involves designing innovative systems, monitoring operational performance, and collaborating with engineers across various disciplines. The ideal candidate has over five years of experience, is adaptable, and has strong networking knowledge. This position operates under a hybrid work model in Glasgow, requiring a minimum of three days in the office.

Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience with communication networks design and implementation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with lower layer protocols or satellite communication is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and support an IP-based network with communication features.
• Contribute to developing software for upper communication layers.
• Participate in team discussions and support problem-solving.

Skills

IP networking (TCP/UDP)

Tunnelling techniques

Secure data handling

Networking concepts

Adaptability

Collaboration approach

Education

Formal education in engineering or computer science

Tools

C/C++

Linux

Python

Rust

Job description

We are building the next-generation communication systems for our growing satellite constellation and are looking for a practical, curious, and collaborative network engineer. You will help design, prototype and support IP-based communications for LEO networks and work closely with teams across software, RF, and hardware. If you enjoy hands‑on engineering, solving real problems, and learning new technologies, this role will give you room to grow and make an impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement and support an IP-based network with communication features. The network spans multiple AWS regions, ground stations, and spacecraft. It is implemented on Linux. You are responsible for configuring the network infrastructure across observability, DNS, dynamic routing, VPN, QoS, security, and more.
• Contribute to the development of the upper communication layers software using simple and reliable approaches (TUN or TAP) and speeding up development via open‑source tools.
• Assess network operational performance:
  • Build network monitoring tools for packet, routing, connection metrics, throughput, latency, traffic flows etc.
    • Contribute to continuous improvements in constellation communication performance, monitoring, debugging, testing, and system understanding
• Support definition of QoS features, routing and traffic handling, and resource use and monitoring in a multi‑tenancy environment.
• Participate in team discussions, share ideas, and help solve problems in a clear and supportive way.
• Work closely with lower communication layers engineers as well as security team and infrastructure engineers to ensure smooth integration across systems.

Basic Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience with the design and implementation of communication networks
• IP networking (TCP/UDP), tunnelling techniques, and secure data handling
• Practical understanding of networking concepts, especially network and transport protocols.
• A collaboration approach that is proactive, transparent, and truth seeking.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• A positive attitude, bias for action, adaptability, and openness to learning new technologies and interacting with new people

Preferred Skills

These are nice to have, not must haves. If you meet some but not all, you are encouraged to apply.

• Exposure to lower layer protocols or satellite communication
• Some familiarity with CCSDS protocols (CFTP, etc), QUIC protocol, or Space Packet protocol
• Some familiarity with embedded SoC development
• Interest or experience in Rust or Python (the primary languages used for our software systems)
• Comfortable learning new technologies, asking questions, and working in a collaborative environment
• Exposure to lower layer protocols or satellite communications systems in Low Earth Orbit
• Experience with spatiotemporal networking for systems with rapidly changing topology

Bonus Points

• Formal education in engineering or computer science is welcome, although strong hands‑on experience and software coding skills is equally valued.
• Familiarity with L1-L2 protocols to support interfacing upper‑layers. Knowledge of GSE‑DVB, DVB‑S2(X) and related ETSI protocols, TC/TM and related AOS COP‑1, CFDP, SCPS CCSDS protocols, QUIC protocol, Space Packet protocol.
• Some familiarity with embedded SoC development
• Experience with C/C++, and basic Linux system‑level programming

About the Role

As a Network Engineer on our Communication Systems team, you will help shape the infrastructure that moves data across our satellite network. You will design, prototype, and improve the systems and software that keep our constellation connected. You will work side by side with engineers across operations, hardware, and software, and your work will directly influence how our space systems operate. We welcome candidates who bring curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to grow. Your team is spread across multiple offices and time zones including California, Glasgow and western Europe. The ideal candidate is flexible to regular late afternoon meetings to accommodate this.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export‑controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-RK1

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).