SatCom R&D Engineer – NTN

• Location: Hyderabad
• Employment: Full Time

Job Description

We are seeking a SatCom R&D Engineer with 4+ years of experience in 5G/LTE protocol stack development, focusing on Layer 1 (PHY) and Layer 2 (MAC/RLC/PDCP). The role involves developing and optimizing NTN, NB-IoT, LTE, and 5G NR solutions, implementing 3GPP Release 17/18/19 features, and addressing satellite communication challenges such as Doppler effects and propagation delays. Candidates should have strong C/C++, MATLAB/Python, Linux, and telecom protocol expertise, with experience in protocol debugging, testing, and performance optimization. Exposure to NTN architectures, SDR platforms, and open-source telecom stacks is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize Layer 1 (PHY) and Layer 2 (MAC/RLC/PDCP) protocol stack components for NTN, NB-IoT, LTE, and 5G NR systems.
• Translate 3GPP Releases 17, 18, and 19 specifications into standards-compliant software features and product implementations.
• Develop NTN-specific enhancements to address propagation delay, Doppler effects, timing synchronization, and mobility challenges in LEO satellite networks.
• Participate in the full product development lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, integration, testing, validation, and performance optimization.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and enhance protocol stack performance through log analysis, protocol tracing, and KPI monitoring.
• Design and execute unit, integration, and system-level testing to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Collaborate with RF, FPGA, Embedded Software, and Satellite Systems teams for seamless hardware-software integration.
• Support cross-layer debugging, root-cause analysis, and system performance optimization.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, code reviews, version control, and software quality processes.
• Prepare and maintain SRS, test plans, ATPs, validation and compliance documentation
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical discussions, design reviews, and product development activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s or PhD degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Wireless Communication Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in telecom R&D, specifically focused on the development and testing of the 5G L1 and L2. Strong understanding of Digital signal processing concepts.
• Deep, practical understanding of 3GPP protocol architecture and procedures in NB-IoT, LTE, or 5G NR, with an emphasis on Releases 17, 18, and 19.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB (or Python) and C/C++.
• Proficiency working in Linux/Unix environments utilising standard development and debugging tools.
• Solid familiarity with software development workflows, version control (e.g., Git), and modern CI/CD practices.

Nice-to-Have/Domain Skills

• Direct experience working with NTN architectures and protocol adaptations as defined in recent 3GPP specifications.
• Experience working with Software-Defined Radio platforms (e.g., USRP) or open-source telecom stacks such as srsRAN, OpenAirInterface (OAI), OCUDU, Open5GS, or free5GC.
• Practical experience analysing and modifying protocol stack components across layers (PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS) and familiarity with core network signalling protocols (S1AP, NGAP, GTP-C/U).
• Knowledge of O-RAN architecture, functional split concepts, and Small Cell Forum (SCF) interfaces (e.g., FAPI/nFAPI).
• Background in embedded or real-time software development (RTOS), particularly on ARM-based or heterogeneous SoCs.
• Strong background in protocol debugging, KPI analysis, and system performance optimisation within live or simulated wireless communication networks.