Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer, Space Communications

Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and a leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications. 

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior DSP Engineer for Space-Based Mesh Networks 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 AND STUDIES

• 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.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Tech skills

• 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

• Experience with FPGA development; experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant platforms is considered a plus.

• Familiarity with RF communication systems; experience with beamforming or optical communications is a plus.

• Ability to optimize algorithms for real‑time constraints, limited power budgets, and harsh space environment

• This role requires relocation to our Italian headquarters and regular on‑site presence

1. 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, given interaction with external international partners.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A flat and collaborative organizational structure

• A fast‑paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale‑up

• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem

• An international and diverse workplace

• Comprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work-life balance, and training opportunities

COMPENSATION & TRANSPARENCY:

• Reports to: Head of Engineering

• Career level: P4 – Senior Professional

• Job location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model

• Salary range: 55–70k, depending on experience and skills.

• Variable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary

• Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including a welfare platform and meal vouchers in Italy, with equivalent local benefits provided where applicable

• Expected start date: 1.9.2026