Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications)

Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications)

Leaf Space

Lomazzo, Italy

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior DSP Engineer for Space-Based Mesh Networks will design, implement and optimize advanced signal-processing and communication algorithms for a distributed constellation of satellites. Working closely with senior technical leaders, you will contribute to the development of resilient, high-performance networking technologies for LEO missions.

This role blends deep DSP expertise with hands‑on FPGA development, space‑system constraints, and cross‑link communication challenges unique to orbital environments.

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;
• Participate in technical reviews and contribute to engineering decisions;
• Share knowledge and support junior engineers when appropriate;
• Contribute to architecture discussions and technology evolution;
• Document designs and performance results for internal engineering teams, mission partners, and regulatory bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field;
• 5+ years of experience;
• Strong background in digital communications theory, including modulation, coding, synchronization, channel estimation, and PHY‑layer design.

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;
• This role requires relocation to our Italian headquarters and regular on‑site presence.

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.