Position Overview
We are seeking a Wireless Physical Layer Algorithms Engineer to own waveform and DSP design for our satellite communication payloads. You will translate system-level link requirements into complete PHY chains, including modulation, coding, synchronization, and framing, and validate them through simulation and SDR-based prototypes. This is a hands-on role that bridges communication theory, practical DSP implementation, and close collaboration with FPGA and SDR engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Design end-to-end physical layer waveform chains for satellite links, including modulation, demodulation, coding, interleaving, synchronization, and framing.
- Develop link budgets and performance targets, and translate them into algorithmic and implementation requirements for the payload physical layer.
- Implement and validate DSP algorithms for filtering, timing recovery, carrier recovery, frequency/phase tracking, and signal detection in simulation environments (e.g., Python/C++, MATLAB/NumPy/SciPy, or similar).
- Build and maintain simulation models and test benches for PHY performance evaluation (BER/PER curves, Eb/N0 performance, robustness to channel impairments, etc.).
- Collaborate with FPGA/RTL engineers to partition algorithms between software and hardware, define fixed-point architectures, and support efficient hardware implementation.
- Work with SDR / GNU Radio engineers to bring up reference implementations of the PHY chain on SDR platforms for lab and over-the-air testing.
- Define and refine interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, and design rationale for physical layer algorithms.
- Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of link-level issues across simulation, SDR prototypes, and hardware-in-the-loop setups.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications, Electronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent documented professional experience.
- 3–6 years of experience in communication system development, physical layer design, or DSP algorithm implementation.
Must-Have Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of RF and communication fundamentals, including modulation, coding, synchronization, filtering, and propagation.
- Solid grounding in digital signal processing concepts and their practical implementation (time/frequency domain, sampling, quantization, filter design, FFT, etc.).
- Hands-on experience designing and analyzing physical layer algorithms for systems such as GSM, LTE, 5G, or proprietary waveforms.
- Experience implementing and simulating PHY/DSP algorithms in C/C++ and Python (or similar) for performance-sensitive or embedded contexts.
- Familiarity with fixed-point arithmetic, quantization effects, and constraints that affect mapping algorithms to FPGA/SoC platforms.
- Experience building simulation environments and test benches to evaluate BER/PER, spectral characteristics, and robustness to channel and RF impairments.
- Comfort using Git/GitHub or similar tools for version control and collaborative development.
- Familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators) and SDR-based test benches is a plus.
Nice-to-Have Technical Skills
- Exposure to Xilinx Zynq RFSoC or similar FPGA/SoC platforms from a system or algorithm-integration perspective.
- Experience with SDR frameworks (GNU Radio or similar) for rapid prototyping of physical layer chains.
- Prior experience with satellite communication systems or space links.
- Experience with hardware/software co-design and performance partitioning across CPU, FPGA, and RF front-end.
Professional Competencies
- Strong problem-solving ability with attention to technical detail.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools and workflows.
- Clear written and verbal communication for explaining algorithms and trade-offs to multidisciplinary teams.
- Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership of features from requirements to validated implementation.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup or research environment with iterative development and incremental validation.
What You'll Gain
- Opportunity to define and validate physical layers that will fly on orbit and support active missions.
- Deep exposure to satellite PHY design, signal processing, SDR prototyping, and interaction with FPGA and RF teams.
- Experience across hardware integration, firmware support, RF systems, and satellite operations in a lean, mission-focused team.
Working Environment & Process
- Primarily on-site, based at Satlabs facilities in IITM Research Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Access to RF test equipment, Linux workstations, SDR hardware, and FPGA development tools for prototyping.
- Project-driven work with regular milestones and deliverables, with increasing ownership as you grow in the role.
- Rolling application review; we may discuss your experience with PHY design, DSP, SDR, and problem-solving approaches during the evaluation process.
