Senior 5G Systems Engineer - Ground & Access

Senior 5G Systems Engineer - Ground & Access

SpinLaunch

London, United Kingdom

Your Mission on the Team

As Senior 5G Systems Engineer – Ground & Access Network, you will play a key role in advancing our next-generation 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture for the Meridian LEO constellation. This includes adapting terrestrial 5G technologies for non-terrestrial network (NTN) environments, developing NTN-compliant gNB systems, and ensuring reliable end-to-end performance across space and ground segments.

We are building a cloud-native RAN, leveraging modern orchestration and containerization frameworks to achieve scalability, automation, and operational efficiency. The role requires deep expertise in 5G RAN and cloud computing — combined with the ability to apply that knowledge to unique NTN challenges.

Your work will be at the intersection of space and telecom, enabling high-throughput, low-latency, standards-compliant services for enterprise, government, and wholesale markets worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of a 5G satellite RAN;
• Develop and validate NTN-compliant RAN components, ensuring standards alignment and robust performance under orbital dynamics;
• Contribute expertise in cloud-native architectures for telecom, including containerized microservices and orchestration frameworks;
• Collaborate across RAN, core, and satellite engineering teams to deliver reliable end-to-end system performance;
• Support testing and validation through simulation platforms, lab environments, and field demonstrations;
• Engage in regulatory, interoperability, and vendor evaluation processes to ensure compliance and ecosystem compatibility;
• Drive scalability, security, and resilience in the ground access network design.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field;
• 5+ years (senior level) or 3+ years (mid-level) of experience in 5G RAN design, testing, or deployment;
• Strong understanding of 5G NR protocols and 3GPP standards (mobility management, QoS, slicing);
• Hands-on experience with network protocols, network services, RF link budgeting, and PHY/MAC layer optimization;
• Familiarity with cloud-native software development: Kubernetes, containers, and software design rules for making microservices independent and horizontally scalable;
• Proficiency in telecom networking (TCP/IP, routing, switching, security);
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, Bash, or similar);
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) with a focus on wireless technologies, telecommunications networks, or software development;
• 8+ years in large-scale wireless communications networks, ideally including NTN or satellites;
• Deep expertise in RAN functions and experience with DU, CU, and RRU implementations;
• Familiarity with open-source or commercial 5G Core software;
• Experience with automated orchestration of telecommunications networks;
• Background in cybersecurity for telecom or mission-critical infrastructure;
• Knowledge of satellite ground systems (antennas, modems, RF equipment) and their interface protocols;
• Experience with high-availability computing, network diagnostics, and performance optimization;
• Understanding of satellite constellation operations, link budgets, and orbital dynamics.