Software Network Engineer

About the Position

Join Leaf Space as a Software Network Engineer to design and implement resilient networking software for satellite mesh networks.

About Leaf Space

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).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement networking protocols for inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, including routing, link-state management, congestion control, and fault-tolerant data transport.
• Develop distributed mesh-network algorithms that adapt to dynamic topology changes driven by orbital motion, intermittent connectivity, and variable link quality.
• Architect and implement SDN-based networking frameworks, including programmable control-plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross-link orchestration.
• Integrate cybersecurity into all layers of the communication stack, including encryption, authentication, and secure routing for space systems.
• Implement real-time communication stacks optimized for radiation-tolerant processors and constrained onboard computing environments.
• Collaborate with RF, DSP, FPGA, and security teams to ensure end-to-end secure communication from PHY layer to application layer.
• Ensure reliability and robustness through redundancy, error handling, watchdog systems, autonomous recovery, and secure failover mechanisms.
• Develop simulation and emulation frameworks to model constellation-scale networking behavior, orbital dynamics, link variability.
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and mission readiness activities across the software and RF engineering teams.
• Contribute to system-level architecture, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end-to-end communication strategy.

Requirements

• Tech skills

  • Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Rust, or similar programming languages, with experience developing software for embedded or resource-constrained environments.
  • Experience with embedded Linux and firmware development.
  • Strong understanding of wireless networking, link-layer behavior, and dynamic topology management.
  • Ability to design and drive end-to-end test campaigns.
  • Hands-on experience with cybersecurity, including encryption, secure communication protocols, key management, authentication frameworks, and secure boot.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools for networking.
  • Ability to collaborate across hardware, RF, DSP, FPGA, and SW development teams.
  • Knowledge of LEO/MEO/GEO orbital dynamics and how they affect network topology and link performance.
  • Experience with DTN, MANETs, or self-organizing mesh networks is considered a plus.

• Soft skills

  • Excellent cross-functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers, and management.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary 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.

Compensation & Transparency

• Reports to: Head of Engineering
• Career level: P4 – Senior Professional
• Job location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model
• Salary range: 55,000 - 70,000 EUR/year
• Variable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary
• Benefits: €8 meal vouchers · Welfare platform · Hybrid work policy · Training opportunities
• Expected start date: 1.12.2026

Contact

Ann Kristin Müller

HR Recruiter – HR