Telecommunications Test Engineer

Spire Global; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Glasgow is seeking a Test and Lab Communication Engineer to develop and validate software for satellite communication systems. This role involves conducting tests and troubleshooting on communication hardware. Ideal for early career professionals eager to explore satellite technology and gain practical experience. The company offers mentorship and exposure to innovative technology, with a hybrid work model requiring a minimum of three days in the office.

Benefits

Mentorship from senior engineers

Opportunities for growth

Exposure to real satellite systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Communication Sciences, or related.
• Some experience with embedded systems, lab work, and testing equipment.
• Basic knowledge of Python, Matlab, C/C++, Linux/RTOS.

Responsibilities

• Create test setups to validate radio link implementations.
• Debug firmware and validate communication layers.
• Maintain lab equipment and analyze data for design improvements.

Skills

Embedded systems experience

Basic knowledge of Python

Lab work experience

Familiarity with version control

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Spectrum Analyzer

JTAG tools

Development kits

Job description

As part of the development of a new and advanced communication system we are looking for a Test and Lab Communication Engineer help develop and validate software and firmware for satellite communication systems. This role is hands‑on and focused on lab, field and test works: you will work closely with experienced engineers to implement, test, and troubleshoot data link features on COTS ground equipment, embedded systems and proprietary communication hardware.

This position is a great fit for someone early in their career who enjoys practical experimentation, learning by doing, and contributing to real-world and next‑gen space communication technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Testing and verification
  • Create proper test setup and environments to validate radio link implemented in SW/FPGA based on requirements.
  • Use test equipment such as development kits, JTAG tools, spectrum analyzer and signal generator to create automated test benches and unit test.
  • Create Continuous integration and development tools to release stable and reliable SW.
  • Conduct method and testing for ground station studies, calibration and more.
• Troubleshooting and development
  • Debug firmware implementation and validate L1‑L2 communication layers in conjunction with FPGA/HW engineer to deliver complex communication system based on requirements.
  • Support integration between FPGA and SW engineers.
  • Maintain lab equipment up to date with assets in production.
  • Analyse data and create report to participate in design review and improvement of DUT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer and Communication Sciences, Data Processing and Machine Learning or related
• Some experience (including internships, school projects, or hobby projects) with embedded systems, lab work and testing equipment (for example, Dev. kit, JTAG, Spectrum Analyzer, VNA, Signal Generator, channel emulator, etc )
• Some basic knowledge of either Python, Matlab, C/C++, Linux/RTOS or scripting
• Curiosity, willingness to learn, comfort asking questions, a positive attitude, adaptability, and openness to learning new technologies and interacting with new people
• Exposure to embedded system development (Xilinx FPGA, DMA, ARM architecture, PS/PL)
• Familiarity with version control systems (for example, Git, etc)
• Exposure to space communication standards such as ETSI DVB-S2X or CCSDS TM/TC/SCCC

What we offer

• Mentorship from senior engineers and opportunities to grow into protocol design, RF systems, or firmware architecture
• Exposure to real satellite communication systems and ability to have an impact on the ground network as well as operations
• Opportunities to rotate between software, hardware, and lab/test work

About the Role

As a Test Communication Engineer at Spire, you will help shape a cutting‑edge network infrastructure for our expanding satellite constellation. In this role, you will help in pioneering new capabilities that push the boundaries of satellite technology and space‑based networking.

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.

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

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.