Senior 5G Systems Engineer - Ground & Access

Job Description

Job Description

SpinLaunch is pioneering a new era of scalable space infrastructure. Following years of innovation in alternative launch systems, we’re now applying that same disruptive mindset to orbit—developing Meridian Space, a ground-breaking broadband satellite constellation built for rapid deployment and low-cost global coverage. With backing from industry leaders, SpinLaunch is positioned to deliver a fully integrated ecosystem of launch, satellite, and connectivity services. Join us in our mission and be an integral part of a close-knit, collaborative team that strives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This will be an on-site position located at our Long Beach, CA headquarters or a remote position located in Europe or the United Kingdom.

Your Mission on the Team:

As Senior 5G Systems Engineer – Ground & Access Network, you will lead the design, integration, and validation of our 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture for the Meridian LEO constellation. This includes adapting terrestrial 5G technologies to non-terrestrial network (NTN) environments, building NTN-compliant gNB systems, and ensuring robust end-to-end performance across our space and ground domains.

Your work will be at the intersection of space and telecom—delivering high-throughput, low-latency, standards-compliant services that power enterprise, government, and wholesale markets around the world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect, Design and implement the 5G RAN architecture tailored for LEO satellite environments
• Develop and test RAN components compliant with 3GPP NTN standards
• Define and simulate air interface performance in LEO use cases (e.g., Doppler, latency, beam switching, handover)
• Integrate the 5G RAN with satellite modems and terminals; support waveform adaptation and optimization
• Collaborate with the 5G Core team to ensure full stack integration and E2E performance (QoS, slicing, mobility)
• Lead test strategy and performance validation using simulation tools and over-the-air testbeds
• Work with satellite systems engineers to align orbital parameters and ground station design with RAN requirements
• Support regulatory, interoperability, and vendor selection processes
• Ensure security, scalability, and operational resilience of RAN systems in coordination with network engineering

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 5 years (for Sr. role) or 3 years (for mid-level role) of experience with a Bachelor's, or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline
• Proven hands-on experience designing or testing 5G or LTE RAN systems
• Strong understanding of cellular communication protocols (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR) and 3GPP standards, particularly relating to network slices, QoS, and mobility management
• Experience with cellular protocol stack analysis, RF link budgeting, and PHY/MAC layer optimization
• Proficiency in networking protocols and telecom integration, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, and firewall configuration
• Solid scripting and automation skills (e.g., Python, Bash)
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, KVM) and/or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for deploying network functions
• Experience in designing or operating complex distributed systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science with a focus on wireless communication, network architectures, or distributed systems
• At least 8+ years of experience in designing, deploying, and operating telecommunications ground systems, specifically for satellite or large-scale wireless networks
• Deep expertise in 5G satellite integration standards (e.g., NTN - Non-Terrestrial Networks) and associated challenges/opportunities
• Experience with specific 5G core vendors or open-source 5G core implementations
• Proficiency in network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) concepts and their practical application
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying microservices and network functions
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles applied to telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure
• Experience with satellite ground station equipment (e.g., modems, antennas, transceivers) and their interface protocols
• Familiarity with mission-critical systems and high-availability design principles
• Experience with network performance monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Understanding of satellite constellation operations, link budgets, and orbital mechanics

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.