Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications)

About the Position

Leaf Space is seeking a Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications) to join our team. This role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced signal-processing and communication algorithms for a distributed constellation of satellites. You will work closely with senior technical leaders to develop resilient, high-performance networking technologies for LEO missions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement DSP algorithms for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, including modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, and error-correction coding.
• Develop real-time signal-processing pipelines optimized for radiation-tolerant embedded systems and FPGA-based accelerators.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of cross-link communication protocols.
• Model and simulate RF/optical link performance, including Doppler effects, multipath, interference, and orbital dynamics.
• Implement DSP modules on FPGAs, including pipelined, parallel, and high-throughput architectures for low-latency inter-satellite links.
• Write and maintain HDL code (Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel) for custom signal-processing blocks, PHY-layer modules, and hardware accelerators.
• Collaborate with RF, antenna, networking, and spacecraft systems teams to ensure seamless integration across hardware, firmware, software, and network operations.
• Perform system-level analysis including link budgets, timing closure, resource utilization, and power constraints for space-qualified hardware.
• Document designs and performance results for internal engineering teams, mission partners, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

Tech Skills

• Hands-on experience with C/C++ or similar language for embedded DSP implementation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), or similar modeling tools for simulation and prototyping.
• Extensive experience with FPGA development, including synthesis, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring-up.
• Proficiency with HDLs: Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel.
• Experience with FPGA development; experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant platforms is considered a plus.
• Familiarity with RF communication systems; experience with beamforming or optical communications is a plus.
• Ability to optimize algorithms for real-time constraints, limited power budgets, and harsh space environment.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
• Rigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners.

We Offer

• A flat and collaborative organizational structure.
• A fast-paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale-up.
• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem.
• An international and diverse workplace.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work-life balance, and training opportunities.

About the Company

Leaf Space operates a fully owned, globally distributed network of ground stations, empowering satellite operators to communicate with their spacecraft in the simplest and most flexible way. Leaf Space enables TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking, and Command) and payload data transmissions via an easy-to-use interface, a proprietary autonomous scheduling software, and its network’s global coverage. Founded in 2014, Leaf Space has offices in Lomazzo (Italy) and in Delaware (US).

Contact

For more information, please contact Ann Kristin Müller, HR Recruiter at Leaf Space.