Senior Software Engineer, 5G Physical Layer

Espace; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Espace is seeking a Senior Software Engineer specializing in 5G Physical Layer to enhance IoT solutions from space. You will design and optimize algorithms for 5G systems while collaborating with teams across Europe, India, and the U.S. The role requires a strong background in embedded C/C++, 5G NR PHY specifications, and real-time software constraints.

This full-time position is based in Saratoga, offering a target base pay of $150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical/Communications Engineering or equivalent.
• Significant professional experience as an embedded C and C/C++ software engineer.
• Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite communications.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize 5G PHY algorithms.
• Integrate 5G PHY software with RF hardware.
• Design software within strict real-time constraints and low-latency requirements.

Skills

Embedded C/C++ software engineering

5G NR PHY knowledge

MATLAB

Python

Real-time embedded software constraints

Problem-solving skills

RF impairments understanding

Education

Master of Science/Engineering in Electrical/Communications Engineering

Tools

SDR platforms

SoC architectures

Job description

Senior Software Engineer – 5G Physical Layer

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E‑Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper‑scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly‑advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space‑based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

Responsibilities

• 5G PHY Software Design and Implementation
  • Design, implement, and optimize 5G NR PHY algorithms on processor‑based and heterogeneous SoC platforms.
  • Develop software for key PHY functions such as modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, synchronization, coding/decoding, and HARQ support.
  • Implement PHY software compliant with 3GPP Rel 15/16/17 specifications.
• Hardware, RF, and Platform Integration
  • Integrate 5G PHY software with RF front‑end hardware and digital baseband chains.
  • Develop and maintain hardware control software using interfaces such as I2C and SPI.
  • Work with complex SoC architectures, including ARM, DSPs, and hardware accelerators.
  • Develop software interfaces toward embedded accelerators and DSP blocks.
• Real‑Time and Embedded Systems
  • Design software within strict real‑time constraints and low‑latency requirements.
  • Develop on embedded Linux, DSP operating systems, and lightweight RTOS such as FreeRTOS and Zephyr.
  • Optimize performance, memory usage, and throughput of PHY software components.
• Verification, Testing, and Debug
  • Create and execute PHY‑level test cases and validation scenarios.
  • Generate, analyze, and verify PHY test vectors and waveforms.
  • Verify PHY functionality using 5G test equipment (e.g., R&S, Agilent) and commercial UEs.
  • Debug complex PHY, timing, RF, and performance issues across software and hardware boundaries.
• Technical Leadership and Delivery
  • Provide effort estimation and technical input for PHY software development tasks.
  • Support customer requests related to 5G PHY features and performance.
  • Document PHY designs, implementations, and results in Confluence or equivalent systems.
• Collaboration and Ways of Working
  • Collaborate with RF, systems, hardware, and protocol stack teams to ensure clean PHY‑MAC interfaces.
  • Work effectively in a global, distributed team across Europe, India, and the U.S.
  • Follow SCRUM/Agile and Continuous Integration development practices.
  • Operate autonomously while maintaining strong technical communication.

Qualifications

• Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or equivalent.
• Significant professional experience as an embedded C and C/C++ software engineer.
• Strong background in 5G NR PHY and digital communications theory.
• Experience working with SDR platforms and SoC architectures.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for PHY algorithm development and analysis.
• Strong understanding of real‑time embedded software constraints.
• Excellent problem‑solving, time management, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of 3GPP 5G NR PHY specifications (Rel 15/16/17+).
• Experience with Non‑Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite communications.
• Experience implementing PHY algorithms on DSPs and hardware accelerators.
• Strong understanding of link budgets, channel models, and RF impairments.
• Experience with waveform generation, PHY simulation, and lab bring‑up.

Location and Compensation

• Location: Saratoga, USA.
• Full‑time exempt position based in Saratoga office.
• Target base pay: $150,000 – $200,000 annually.
• Total compensation will be determined by relevant experience and other factors.

We are not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.