Communications / DSP Engineer

Voiceflow; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading navigational intelligence company is seeking a Communications DSP Engineer to lead end-to-end development of GEO backhaul and inter-satellite signal processing architectures. This role involves driving algorithms from simulation to FPGA-ready implementation, collaborating with teams and vendors for flight-ready solutions. The ideal candidate will have an MS or PhD in a relevant field, 7+ years of experience in digital communications, DSP, or satellite systems, as well as strong programming skills in Python and C/C++. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to advanced satellite infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in digital communications, DSP, or satellite systems.
• Strong master's of synchronization, ranging, and spread-spectrum algorithm design.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA-based signal processing and bit-true/fixed-point modeling.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end signal-chain system engineering for GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-links.
• Drive the architectural transition from mathematical models into FPGA-ready implementations.
• Develop acquisition, tracking, decoding, and measurement algorithms.

Skills

Digital communications

DSP

Satellite systems

Python

C/C++

FPGA-based signal processing

Synchronization

Ranging

Spread-spectrum algorithm design

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

FPGA

Simulation tools

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

We’re seeking a Communications DSP Engineer to lead end-to-end development of GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-link signal processing architectures. You’ll drive algorithms from simulation through FPGA-ready implementation while partnering with internal teams and external vendors to deliver flight-ready solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Own end-to-end signal-chain system engineering for GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-links, including algorithm development, simulation, and measurement engineering.

• Drive the architectural transition from mathematical models into FPGA-ready, fixed-point optimized implementations.

• Serve as the technical lead for third-party vendor IPs, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with Xona requirements.

• Develop acquisition, tracking, decoding, and measurement algorithms and support FPGA design verification.

• Build high-fidelity Python/C++ simulations and analyze performance under low-SNR, high dynamics, interference, and multipath conditions.

• Define HW/SW partitioning, system interfaces, and optimize FPGA resource utilization while maintaining requirements traceability.

• Specify and validate measurement products (code phase, carrier, Doppler, C/N₀, PRs, DRs) in partnership with the Navigation team.

• Lead vendor SOWs, acceptance testing, integration, and compliance reviews.

• Document system architecture, simulations, trade studies, and verification results to support flight-ready solutions.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in digital communications, DSP, or satellite systems.

• Strong mastery of synchronization, ranging, and spread-spectrum algorithm design.

• Hands-on experience with FPGA-based signal processing and bit-true/fixed-point modeling.

• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for system modeling and simulation.

• Experience providing technical leadership for vendors and cross-functional system integration efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GEO satellite backhaul or inter-satellite cross-links (ISLs).

• Familiarity with GNSS navigation and spread-spectrum systems.

• Knowledge of measurement integrity and validation practices.

• Experience with lab bring-up, test automation, and HIL/OTA testing.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.