Senior Engineer SDR

About Satlabs

Satlabs Space Systems is developing advanced satellite communication systems, focusing on innovative data relay payloads for next-generation space applications. We are building a team of passionate engineers committed to advancing space technology through practical, efficient solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated SDR (Software Defined Radio) Engineer to join our payload development team. You will work under the mentorship of our Lead Communications Engineer (8+ years of experience) to design, develop, and implement the FPGA-based proprietary satellite data relay payload. This role is ideal for an engineer with solid foundational knowledge in both communications and digital hardware design who is ready to take on meaningful technical challenges in the space sector.

This is a hands-on position where you will translate high-level system requirements into working SDR implementations, bridging the gap between high-level C++/Python and low-level VHDL/Verilog for mission-critical firmware, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to mission-critical payload software and firmware development.

Salary: 20-40 Lakhs per annum

Key Responsibilities

• SDR Development & Implementation: Design and implement Software Defined Radio applications using SDR Hardware and GNU Radio frameworks for satellite communication systems
• Firmware & Software Development: Develop and test host interface software and firmware for SDR hardware, working primarily in C/C++ and Python in Linux environments
• Signal Processing: Implement and validate digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for modulation, demodulation, filtering, and signal detection
• Hardware Integration: Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate SDR components into the satellite payload, including FPGA configuration and testing
• Custom Hardware & FPGA Development: Design, implement, and verify the core digital logic and DSP pipelines on FPGA, forming the foundation of our custom SDR platform. This includes low-level integration with RF front-ends.
• Testing & Validation: Design and execute comprehensive testing protocols including unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation in both simulated and real-world environments
• Protocol Development: Implement communication protocols specific to satellite data relay operations, ensuring compatibility with ground station systems
• Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs), test procedures, and design rationale
• Troubleshooting: Debug hardware and software issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing solutions within tight development timelines

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or equivalent field (or 3+ years of documented professional experience in related work)

Experience: 4-6 years

Must have Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with Software Defined Radio (SDR) development and deployment
• Proficiency with GNU Radio for signal processing pipeline development and testing
• Demonstrated experience working with LimeSDR, USRP, HackRF, or similar SDR platforms
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded systems and signal processing applications
• Proficiency in Python for SDR application development, testing scripts, and prototyping
• Experience with embedded Linux systems and comfortable working in command-line environments
• Understanding of RF fundamentals including signal propagation, antenna theory, and modulation techniques (FSK, PSK, QAM, OFDM, etc.)
• Familiarity with digital signal processing (DSP) concepts and implementation
• Deep hands-on experience with FPGA development using Verilog and/or VHDL (or SystemVerilog) for high-speed digital communications.
• Proven ability to utilize FPGA toolchains (synthesis, place & route, timing analysis, on-chip debugging) to bring up custom digital hardware.
• Mandatory experience implementing complex DSP pipelines on FPGA: filters, mixers, Numerically Controlled Oscillators (NCOs), interpolators/decimators, symbol timing and carrier recovery.
• Familiarity with Git/GitHub for version control and collaborative development
• Experience with test equipment: spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, software-defined test benches
• Understanding of communication theory and wireless protocols (GSM, LTE, 5G, or proprietary protocols)

Nice to have Technical Skills

• Knowledge of SoapySDR or similar abstraction layers for SDR hardware access
• Prior experience with satellite communications or space systems (even if limited)
• Experience with hardware-software co-design and partitioning for optimal performance

Professional Competencies

• Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to technical detail
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies and frameworks
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and document technical findings
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently on assigned tasks
• Experience working in fast-paced startup or research environments
• Comfortable with iterative development and incremental testing approaches

What We're Looking For

Beyond technical qualifications, we seek an engineer who:

• Takes ownership: You understand requirements and drive them to implementation without constant supervision, while knowing when to escalate or seek guidance
• Learns continuously: You stay updated with ecosystem developments and are willing to master new tools and frameworks
• Communicates clearly: You can explain complex technical concepts to both specialists and non-specialists, and document your work thoroughly
• Collaborates effectively: You work well in small, agile teams and thrive with regular feedback from experienced mentors
• Maintains quality: You write clean, maintainable code and take pride in rigorous testing and validation
• Thinks systematically: You approach problems methodically, considering trade-offs between performance, power consumption, cost, and reliability

What You'll Gain

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior Communications Engineer with 8+ years of industry experience
• Real-world impact: Contribute to satellite systems that will operate in orbit and serve actual communication missions
• Technical growth: Deep expertise in FPGA-based custom SDR development, signal processing, and space systems within 2-3 years
• Diverse skill development: Exposure to hardware design, firmware development, RF engineering, and satellite operations
• Career acceleration: Proven track record in space technology opens doors to senior technical roles in the thriving space sector
• Collaborative culture: Work in a lean, mission-focused team where your contributions are directly visible

Working Environment

• Primarily on-site
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (based at Satlabs facilities in IITM Research Park)

Equipment: Access to development tools including RF test equipment, Linux workstations, , SDR hardware and FPGA tools for prototyping

Timeline: Project-driven with regular milestones and deliverables; expected to scale work impact as you grow in the role

Application & Evaluation Process

We review applications on a rolling basis. Please include:

• Resume/CV: Highlighting relevant SDR, embedded systems, and signal processing experience
• Portfolio/GitHub Profile (optional but encouraged): Links to open-source SDR projects, personal portfolios, or published work demonstrating hands-on SDR or signal processing experience
• Technical Questions: We may ask about your experience with specific tools (GNU Radio, SDR, Linux, Verilog/VHDL, FPGA toolchains), programming projects, or technical problem-solving approaches

Why Join Satlabs

The space sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with satellite communications becoming critical infrastructure for global connectivity, Earth observation, and disaster management. Satlabs is at the forefront of innovative communication payload development, to tackle real engineering challenges that matter at scale. As a team member, you'll not only develop world-class technology but also establish yourself as a recognized expert in space communications and custom hardware for space applications.