Satlabs Space Systems
Website:
satlabs.space
Job details:
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Physical Layer Engineer to join our payload development team. This role is ideal for an engineer with strong fundamentals in communications, digital signal processing, and hardware/software integration who is ready to take on meaningful technical challenges in the space sector.
This is a hands-on position where you will translate system-level communication requirements into working physical layer implementations. You will work across waveform design, Software Defined Radio -based prototyping, DSP validation, and hardware integration, bridging the gap between algorithm development and mission-critical payload execution.
Salary: 20–40 LPA cash component per annum, plus 10–20 L in stock options, based on experience and skill-set fit.
Key Responsibilities
- Physical Layer Development: Design and implement communication waveform chains for satellite systems, including modulation, demodulation, synchronization, coding, framing, and link validation.
- Software Defined Radio Prototyping: Develop and test physical layer workflows using SDR platforms and GNU Radio for satellite communication and emulation environments.
- DSP Algorithm Implementation: Implement and validate digital signal processing algorithms for filtering, timing recovery, carrier recovery, detection, and performance optimization.
- Hardware Integration: Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate physical layer algorithms with RF front-ends, FPGA blocks, and system interfaces.
- Firmware and Host Software: Develop and test support software in C/C++ and Python for control, automation, analysis, and test infrastructure.
- Testing and Validation: Design and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests in simulated and real-world environments.
- Protocol and Interface Work: Implement and validate communication protocols for satellite payload and ground segment compatibility.
- Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation, including interface control documents, test plans, and design rationale.
- Troubleshooting: Debug hardware, software, and system issues, and perform root-cause analysis within tight development timelines.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field, or equivalent documented professional experience.
- Experience: 4–6 years.
Must-Have Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of RF and communication fundamentals, including modulation, coding, synchronization, filtering, and propagation.
- Familiarity with digital signal processing concepts and practical implementation.
- Hands-on experience with communication system development, physical layer design, or Software Defined Radio-based prototyping.
- Experience with Xilinx Zynq RFSoC or similar FPGA/SoC platforms, and SDR hardware such as LimeSDR, USRP, or similar, for real-time DSP and SDR applications.
- Strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded or performance-sensitive applications.
- Proficiency in Python for automation, analysis, prototyping, and test tooling.
- Experience with FPGA development in Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog is desirable for hardware acceleration and digital baseband implementation.
- Familiarity with FPGA toolchains, timing analysis, and hardware bring-up workflows.
- Experience with Git/GitHub or similar version control tools.
- Comfort with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and SDR-based test benches.
- Understanding of communication theory and wireless protocols such as GSM, LTE, 5G, or proprietary PHYs.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Proficiency with GNU Radio or similar tools for waveform development and testing.
- Knowledge of SoapySDR or similar SDR abstraction layers.
- Prior experience with satellite communications or space systems.
- Experience with hardware/software co-design and performance partitioning.
- Exposure to on-orbit operations, ground station workflows, or mission verification.
Professional Competencies
- Strong problem-solving ability with attention to technical detail.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies and workflows.
- Excellent communication skills for working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently on assigned tasks.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced startup or research environment.
- Willingness to work iteratively and validate incrementally.
What We’re Looking For
Beyond technical qualifications, we are looking for an engineer who:
- Takes ownership: Understands requirements and drives implementation with minimal supervision.
- Learns continuously: Stays current with tools, techniques, and ecosystem developments.
- Communicates clearly: Can explain technical concepts and document work well.
- Collaborates effectively: Works well in small, agile teams with regular feedback.
- Maintains quality: Writes clean, maintainable code and values rigorous testing.
- Thinks systematically: Evaluates tradeoffs in performance, power, cost, and reliability.
What You’ll Gain
- Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior Communications Engineer with 8+ years of industry experience.
- Real-world impact: Contribute to communication systems that will operate in orbit and support active missions.
- Technical growth: Deep exposure to physical layer development, signal processing, SDR prototyping, and space systems.
- Diverse learning: Experience across hardware integration, firmware support, RF systems, and satellite operations.
- Career acceleration: Build expertise in a high-growth sector with strong long-term opportunities.
- Collaborative culture: Work in a lean, mission-focused team where your contributions are highly visible.
Working Environment
- Primarily on-site
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, based at Satlabs facilities in IITM Research Park.
- Equipment: Access to RF test equipment, Linux workstations, SDR hardware, and FPGA development tools for prototyping.
- Timeline: Project-driven work with regular milestones and deliverables, with increasing ownership as you grow in the role.
Application & Evaluation Process
We review applications on a rolling basis. Please include:
- Resume/CV: Highlight relevant experience in physical layer development, SDR, embedded systems, and signal processing.
- Technical background: We may ask about your experience with tools such as FPGA toolchains, GNU Radio, SDR platforms, Linux, C/C++, and Python.
- Problem-solving examples: Be prepared to discuss projects involving waveform design, validation, or hardware/software integration.
Click on Apply to know more.