{"id":708479,"url":"https://alion.io/job/leaf-senior-digital-signal-processing-engineer-space-communications","title":"Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications)","company":{"id":695558,"name":"Leaf Space","domain":"leaf.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/leaf-6","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Teamtailor","truth_index":null},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"explicit","locations":[],"countries":[],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Chisel","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"NumPy","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"SciPy","optional":false},{"name":"SystemVerilog","optional":false},{"name":"Verilog","optional":false},{"name":"VHDL","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-04T09:21:33Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-04","last_verified_at":"2026-09-26T10:02:23Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":54,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":54},"description":"Senior DSP Engineer (Space Communications)\nAbout Leaf Space\nLeaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and a leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications.\nJOB OVERVIEW\nThe 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.\nThis role blends deep DSP expertise with hands-on FPGA development, space-system constraints, and cross-link communication challenges unique to orbital environments.\nRESPONSIBILITIES\nDesign and implement DSP algorithms for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, including modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, and error-correction coding\n\nDevelop real-time signal-processing pipelines optimized for radiation-tolerant embedded systems and FPGA-based accelerators\n\nContribute to the design and implementation of cross-link communication protocols\n\nModel and simulate RF/optical link performance, including Doppler effects, multipath, interference, and orbital dynamics\n\nImplement DSP modules on FPGAs, including pipelined, parallel, and high-throughput architectures for low-latency inter-satellite links\n\nWrite and maintain HDL code (Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel) for custom signal-processing blocks, PHY-layer modules, and hardware accelerators\n\nCollaborate with RF, antenna, networking, and spacecraft systems teams to ensure seamless integration across hardware, firmware, software and network operations\n\nPerform system-level analysis including link budgets, timing closure, resource utilization, and power constraints for space-qualified hardware\n\nParticipate in technical reviews and contribute to engineering decisions\nShare knowledge and support junior engineers when appropriate\nContribute to architecture discussions and technology evolution\n\nDocument designs and performance results for internal engineering teams, mission partners, and regulatory bodies\n\nQUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES\nMaster’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.\n\n5+ years of experience\n\nStrong background in digital communications theory, including modulation, coding, synchronization, channel estimation, and PHY-layer design.\n\nREQUIREMENTS\nTech skills\n\nHands-on experience with C/C++ or similar language for embedded DSP implementation\n\nProficiency in MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), or similar modeling tools for simulation and prototyping.\n\nExtensive experience with FPGA development, including synthesis, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring-up\n\nProficiency with HDLs: Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel\n\nExperience with FPGA development; experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant platforms is considered a plus.\n\nFamiliarity with RF communication systems; experience with beamforming or optical communications is a plus.\n\nAbility to optimize algorithms for real-time constraints, limited power budgets, and harsh space environment\n\nThis role requires relocation to our Italian headquarters and regular on-site presence\n\nSoft skills\n\nExcellent communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions.\n\nAbility to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.\n\nRigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction.\n\nComfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation.\n\nFluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners.\n\nWHAT WE OFFER\nA flat and collaborative organizational structure\n\nA fast-paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale-up\n\nChallenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem\n\nAn international and diverse workplace\n\nComprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work-life balance, and training opportunities\n\nCOMPENSATION & TRANSPARENCY:\nReports to: Head of Engineering\n\nCareer level: P4 - Senior Professional\n\nJob location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model\n\nSalary range: 55-70k, depending on experience and skills.\n\nVariable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary\n\nBenefits: Competitive benefits package, including a welfare platform and meal vouchers in Italy, with equivalent local benefits provided where applicable\n\nExpected start date: 1.10.2026","description_format":"text","description_chars":5090,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"master","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[{"language":"English","level":"Advanced (C1)","optional":false}]},"benefits":["Hybrid work"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"Italy","iso":"IT","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":true,"industries":[],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-11T04:11:48Z"}],"liveness":{"score":32,"band":"fade","label":"Fading","p_open":1,"p_active":0.583,"p_room":0.55,"age_days":54,"expected_fill_days":42,"reasons":["conf:43","win:tail"],"computed_at":"2026-09-28T05:45:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/leaf-senior-digital-signal-processing-engineer-space-communications","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/leaf-senior-digital-signal-processing-engineer-space-communications.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-28T06:46:39Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":4887,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":113,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-29T00:00:00Z"}}}