NTN Stack SW Architect (UK)

Meridian Space; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Space UK Limited seeks an experienced NTN Stack SW Architect to own platform-level software for embedded telecommunications driving the Meridian 5G NTN. You will bridge hardware and software, architect scalable, secure solutions, and lead cross-functional teams across satellite and ground systems.

Responsibilities include designing platform software for embedded telecom, enabling 5G NTN integration, and guiding architecture reviews with customers and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 5 years in embedded systems.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++, plus Rust, Python, or similar.
• Embedded Linux systems, OS internals, cross-compilation.
• Experience with ARM/x86/DSP processors and multi-core architectures.
• Familiarity with 3GPP, wireless systems, and telecom-grade practices.
• Proficiency in TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network optimization.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD, development environments, and tooling.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain platform-level software for embedded telecommunications and networking products.
• Develop software for wireless telecom infrastructure including 5G NR and NTN.
• Lead software design reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering to ensure seamless integration across boundaries.
• Participate in architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical planning.
• Interface with customers and partners for integration support and feature development.
• Contribute to platform roadmaps and long-term technology strategies.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Linux

ARM/x86/DSP

TCP/IP networking

Git & CI/CD

Debugging across HW/SW

Leadership & mentoring

3GPP / wireless standards

Education

Bachelor's in CS/SE/EE

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Git

CI/CD tools

Static analysis tools

Cross-compilation environments

Job description

Meridian is building a fundamentally new model for sovereign space infrastructure—delivering complete, owned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that provide governments and commercial operators with full control, assured access, and sovereign communications capability at a fraction of the cost of developing these systems independently.

Backed by leading venture capital investors and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites, ground systems, and network infrastructure that will power Meridian's next-generation constellations.

Joining Meridian means working at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious space programs underway today - designing and building constellations that will put sovereign connectivity within reach of nations and operators worldwide. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances the design, development, and deployment of satellite constellations that governments and enterprises around the world will depend on for secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity.

Your Mission on the Team:

As our NTN Stack SW Architect, you will own the software architecture and platform-level development for the embedded telecommunications systems driving the Meridian 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). This role requires a seasoned software engineering leader capable of architecting high-performance, scalable, and highly secure embedded solutions that integrate seamlessly with our complex satellite and ground segment infrastructure.

In this critical leadership role, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software, driving engineering excellence across the NTN software stack. This includes:

• Designing, developing, and maintaining platform-level software for embedded telecommunications and networking products.
• Developing and maintaining software specifically for wireless communications and telecom infrastructure, including 5G NR and NTN technologies.
• Implementing software solutions that strictly adhere to our performance, scalability, security, and maintainability objectives.
• Leading software design reviews, providing technical mentorship to junior engineers, and driving project execution with an unwavering focus on engineering excellence.
• Collaborating deeply with Systems Engineering and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration across all system and subsystem boundaries.
• Participating in architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical planning to ensure the highest standard of software quality.
• Interfacing directly with customers and external partners to provide integration support and drive feature development.
• Contributing strategically to platform roadmaps and long-term technology strategies for the Meridian constellation.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 5 years dedicated to embedded systems development.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++, alongside hands-on experience with Rust, Python, or other modern programming languages.
• Extensive knowledge of embedded Linux systems, operating system internals, and cross-compilation environments.
• Proven experience with ARM, x86, and DSP processors, coupled with a deep understanding of multi-core hardware architectures.
• Familiarity with 3GPP standards, wireless communication systems, and telecom-grade software development practices.
• Proficiency in network protocols and architecture, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network performance optimization.
• Experience utilizing Git, CI/CD platforms, building systems, static code analysis tools, and Linux development environments.
• Strong debugging skills spanning across hardware interfaces, complex software stacks, and multiple processor architectures.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience with space-based payloads, satellite operations, or aerospace-grade software reliability standards.
• Previous participation in standardization fora (e.g., 3GPP, O-RAN, ETSI) or open-source telecommunications projects.
• Experience working in ESA, defense, or similarly regulated environments.

Meridian Space UK Limited is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.