5G Payload Engineer for IRIS²

We are looking for a 5G Payload Engineer on behalf of and in support to our client for their location in Arganda del Rey (Madrid), Spain or Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

As part of the SpaceRISE consortium, our client plays a central role in the IRIS² programme, leading the design, development and implementation of the ground segment, including the infrastructure needed to manage the constellation and connect it with terrestrial networks. The company is also responsible for service operations, such as defining the service catalogue, establishing procedures and developing delivery models for member states.

In addition, our client leads the Low LEO segment, supporting innovative missions that strengthen the European space ecosystem. To meet its growing responsibilities, the company is progressively building a dedicated IRIS² team, currently composed of more than 40 professionals.

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to:

• Architect and implement a 5G NTN network from satellite, including the flight and ground segment components, in a secured environment;

• Design and develop digital signal-processing algorithms for 5G wireless and satellite-communication systems;

• Define, model and simulate algorithmic prototypes in MATLAB or equivalent environments;

• Collaborate with payload, systems and software teams, including High-Level Synthesis workflows where applicable;

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define upcoming solutions for SAT network architecture;

• Preparation of reviews for payload design, manufacturing, acceptance and testing, working closely with the platform and systems teams;

• Develop end-to-end simulations, reference models and payload-processing chains for 5G NR and future NTN capabilities;

• Integrate and validate end to end network connectivity across Open RAN, gNodeB, 5G Core, IMS, transport, and LEO satellite test systems;

• Partner with RF, modem, payload, Core, RAN, software, and systems teams to define the overall system architecture, implementation, test and operations from ambiguous system behavior to clear resolver ownership;

• Validate and optimise performance across representative channel models, test vectors and operational scenarios;

• Validate VoNR and IMS call flows, including registration, SIP signaling, media path, QoS, emergency call behavior where applicable, and failure recovery;

• Support trade-off analyses involving latency, throughput, processing capacity, robustness and implementation constraints;

• Contribute to verification and validation activities, technical documentation and formal reviews;

• Interface with internal teams, subcontractors and industrial partners on DSP, PHY-layer implementation and payload processing;

• Support technical meetings, reviews and coordination sessions with partners and institutions; occasional travel may be required.