Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications) Verified today

About Leaf Space

Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up and leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. We deliver satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and exploit data. Our solutions support applications from remote sensing to IoT communications.

The Role

You 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. This role blends deep DSP expertise with hands-on FPGA development, space-system constraints, and cross-link communication challenges unique to orbital environments.

What You Will Do

• Design and implement DSP algorithms for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, including modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, and error-correction coding
• Develop real-time signal-processing pipelines optimized for radiation-tolerant embedded systems and FPGA-based accelerators
• Contribute to the design and implementation of cross-link communication protocols
• Model and simulate RF/optical link performance, including Doppler effects, multipath, interference, and orbital dynamics
• Implement DSP modules on FPGAs, including pipelined, parallel, and high-throughput architectures for low-latency inter-satellite links
• Write and maintain HDL code (Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel) for custom signal-processing blocks, PHY-layer modules, and hardware accelerators
• Collaborate with RF, antenna, networking, and spacecraft systems teams to ensure seamless integration across hardware, firmware, software and network operations
• Perform system-level analysis including link budgets, timing closure, resource utilization, and power constraints for space-qualified hardware
• Participate in technical reviews and contribute to engineering decisions
• Share knowledge and support junior engineers when appropriate
• Contribute to architecture discussions and technology evolution
• Document designs and performance results for internal engineering teams, mission partners, and regulatory bodies

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience
• Strong background in digital communications theory, including modulation, coding, synchronization, channel estimation, and PHY-layer design

Technical Requirements

• Hands-on experience with C/C++ or similar language for embedded DSP implementation
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), or similar modeling tools for simulation and prototyping
• Extensive experience with FPGA development, including synthesis, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring-up
• Proficiency with HDLs: Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or Chisel
• Ability to optimize algorithms for real-time constraints, limited power budgets, and harsh space environment
• Familiarity with RF communication systems; experience with beamforming or optical communications is a plus
• Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant platforms is a plus

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams
• Rigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation
• Fluent English (written and spoken) required

What We Offer

• Flat and collaborative organizational structure
• Fast-paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale-up
• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem
• International and diverse workplace
• Comprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, hybrid work policy, and training opportunities

Compensation and Details

• Reports to: Head of Engineering
• Career level: P4 Senior Professional
• Location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy
• Work model: Hybrid
• Salary: 55-70k EUR depending on experience and skills
• Variable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary
• Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including welfare platform and meal vouchers in Italy, with equivalent local benefits provided where applicable
• Expected start date: 1 December 2026