RAN & Core Integration Engineer (UK)

InvestedintheMission; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Space UK Limited is seeking an experienced RAN & Core Integration Engineer to design, build and automate our 5G NTN testbed and the upcoming Space Lab. This hands-on role blends network integration, lab architecture and automation to validate end-to-end performance of 5G in a LEO satellite context.

You will lead hardware procurement, deploy NG-RAN/5GC elements, develop automation scripts and CI/CD pipelines, and collaborate with RF, RAN and systems teams to address Doppler shifts,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or related field.
• Deep understanding of 3GPP NG-RAN and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, interfaces, and protocols.
• Hands-on experience in designing, procuring hardware for, and building complex telecommunications testbeds or lab environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, procurement, and physical build-out of complex, multi-stage 5G NTN testbeds and the 5G NTN Space Lab.
• Integrate, operate, and troubleshoot 5G Core (5GC) and NG-RAN elements within lab environments.

Skills

5G NTN

NG-RAN

5GC

Python

Bash

C++

Lab automation

CI/CD

Testbed design

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications

Master's degree

Tools

5G testbeds hardware

CI/CD pipelines

Automation scripts

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 RAN & Core Integration Engineer, you will be the driving force behind the physical and software environments used to validate the Meridian architecture. You will be uniquely responsible for developing, building, operating, and automating our critical testing infrastructure, specifically the 5G NTN testbed (in both its Baseband/IF and RF configurations) and the upcoming 5G NTN Space Lab utilizing our First Customer Link (FCL) satellite.

This is a highly hands‑on, multi-disciplinary role requiring a builder's mindset and a deep technical command of end-to-end 5G networks. You will oversee deploying tasks across network integration, lab architecture, and automation. This includes:

• Leading the design, procurement, and physical build-out of complex, multi-stage 5G NTN testbeds and the 5G NTN Space Lab.
• Integrating, operating, and troubleshooting 5G Core (5GC) and Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) elements within the lab environments to ensure seamless end-to-end functionality.
• Developing robust automation scripts, tools, and CI/CD pipelines to streamline test execution, automate KPI measurements, and modify testbed configurations on the fly.
• Analyzing and overcoming the unique challenges of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), directly addressing extreme Doppler shifts, propagation delays, and fading in a LEO environment.
• Collaborating with RAN, RF, and systems architects to ensure end-to-end coherence of the Meridian solution.
• Contributing to the design and operation of lab environments used to validate architecture and configuration choices.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of 3GPP NG-RAN and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, interfaces, and protocols.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in designing, procuring hardware for, and building complex telecommunications testbeds or lab environments from the ground up.
• Solid grasp of 5G NTN principles and the specific engineering challenges associated with LEO satellite communication links.
• Strong coding and scripting skillset (e.g., Python, Bash, C++) dedicated to lab automation, test execution, and continuous integration.
• Hands‑on lab experience integrating network elements using COTS components and standard interfaces (NG, F1/E1, O1/O2).
• 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.
• Hands‑on lab experience integrating 5G gNB (CU/DU/RU) and 5GC into an end‑to‑end NTN RAN testbed.
• Familiarity with emulator-based testbeds (e.g., Keysight/Spirent) and CI/CD for test automation.
• Experience with space-based payloads, satellite operations, or establishing a Space Lab environment.
• Proficiency in protocol tracing and troubleshooting interfaces such as RRC, NG, and F1.
• 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.