Communications System Engineer

DSP/Communications Engineer

$130,000 - $180,000

Full-time - On-site

Burlingame, CA

Company Overview:

Our client is developing a next-generation navigation satellite network designed to enable precision technologies such as robotic farming and hands-free driving at a global scale. Their patented PULSAR network simplifies the complexity required to achieve robust, centimeter-level accuracy, making precision navigation accessible and affordable for industries that rely on automation and autonomy.

Position Summary:

As a DSP/Communications Engineer, you will own the RF signals link between Xona’s next-generation LEO constellation satellites and ground receivers. Your role will involve communications link simulations, link budgets, and low-level signal metrics, driving implementation details throughout the hardware/firmware stack to ensure Xona’s high-precision and high-accuracy GNSS service.

This is a hands-on role requiring expertise in digital signal processing, RF communications, and signal simulations. The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring the integrity and performance of Xona’s satellite communications system.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Design and implement signal processing and communications systems for satellite navigation.

Conduct RF communications prototyping using tools such as GNU Radio or Simulink.

Simulate RF communications links, including modeling signal distortions and interference.

Develop and maintain RF link budgets to distill hardware and firmware requirements.

Analyze and interpret RF measurements, assessing performance against design criteria.

Implement and optimize spread-spectrum signals and digital modulation schemes such as QPSK.

Utilize Python and C/C++ for signal processing development.

Collaborate with hardware and software teams to refine system architecture and performance.

Support off-site testing events and provide technical expertise as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

3 - 6 years of experience in signal processing and communications.

Hands-on experience with RF communications prototyping.

Proficiency in simulating RF links, including modeling distortions.

Strong understanding of spread-spectrum signals and digital modulation techniques.

Experience developing and maintaining RF link budgets.

Knowledge of key RF performance metrics and their impact on system design.

Fluency in Python and C/C++ for signal processing applications.

Familiarity with git/gitflow for version control.

Ability to travel as needed to support testing events.

Self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with satellite communications.

Hands-on experience with electrical/RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.

Lab experience with RF test setups for communications measurements.

Knowledge and experience with GNSS systems.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation satellite communications technology and shape the future of precision navigation.