Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect (UK)

Airbus Ventures; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Ventures is seeking a Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect to own the Radio Access Network architecture at their London location. The role involves defining innovative architecture concepts and collaborating with multiple engineering domains while ensuring end-to-end coherence in the satellite communication infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field and possess deep knowledge of 5G NTN and satellite networks. The position offers growth within an ambitious environment focused on global connectivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience architecting and deploying 3GPP NG-RAN/NTN architecture.
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP/O-RAN ecosystem with focus on 5G NTN.

Responsibilities

• Own the frontend Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture.
• Lead the definition and development of Meridian NTN RAN architecture.
• Collaborate with network core, OSS, and space segment architects.

Skills

Architecting and deploying 3GPP NG-RAN/NTN architecture

Deep knowledge of 3GPP/O-RAN ecosystem

Experience in satellite networks design

RF system design and link budgets

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Emulator-based testbeds

Job description

Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect (UK)

London, GB

SpinLaunch is building Meridian, a next‑generation broadband constellation designed to deliver high‑capacity, low‑latency connectivity to users around the globe. Backed by leading venture capital and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites and ground systems that will bring Meridian online. Joining the Meridian team means working at the forefront of one of the most ambitious commercial space programs underway today designing, building, and operating spacecraft that will reshape global connectivity. You'll be part of a close‑knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast‑paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances a constellation that millions will depend on.

Your Mission on the Team:

As our Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect, you will own the frontend Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture of the Meridian 5G Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution. This role calls for a professional who can understand, define, and innovate macro‑level RAN architecture concepts and apply them into highly detailed and practical NTN RAN specifications and architecture. You will be highly hands‑on, possessing the ability to define, build, develop, and deploy complex setups that will be used to validate and develop the NTN architecture.

In this multidisciplinary role, you will oversee deploying tasks across three critical engineering domains: Systems Architecture, RF &️ Propagation Engineering (NTN), and RAN – Core Integration. This includes:

• Lead the definition and development of Meridian NTN RAN architecture.
• Own the requirements engineering, system specifications, traceability, concept of operations, and roadmap definition for Meridian ground segment NTN RAN throughout its architecture and space segment interfaces.
• Drive RF system design, analysis and simulation work including link budgets, and antenna systems architecture for the Meridian ground segment.
• Execute beam design and coverage modelling including live testbed analysis of all NTN channel aspects.
• Lead the lab/testbed build, automating test execution, and conducting KPI measurements across complete end‑to‑end architecture.
• Collaborate with network core, OSS, and space segment architects to ensure end‑to‑end coherence of the Meridian NTN RAN solution.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience architecting and deploying 3GPP NG‑RAN/NTN architecture and O‑RAN splits.
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP/O‑RAN ecosystem and specifications with an emphasis on 5G NTN related items.
• Experience in the design and/or operations of satellite networks, satellite ground segments, and ground segment components/systems.
• Experience in system engineering and architecture specifications across a complex system of systems architectures implemented by multiple multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience executing beam design and coverage modelling.
• Experience with RF system design, link budgets, and NTN channel models involving delay, Doppler, and fading.
• Familiarity with emulator‑based testbeds (e.g., Keysight/Spirent) and CI/CD for test automation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across RF, RAN, core, security, and business stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience in leading multi‑disciplinary development.
• Hands‑on lab experience integrating 5G gNB (CU/DU/RU) and 5GC into an end‑to‑end NTN RAN testbed.
• Proficiency in protocol tracing and troubleshooting interfaces such as RRC, NG, and F1.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, or similar).
• Experience with multi‑tenant or multi‑slice 5G deployments, including QoS and policy control.
• Experience integrating OSS/BSS systems with 5G networks.
• Previous participation in standardization fora (3GPP, O‑RAN, ETSI NFV) or open‑source telco 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.