What you will do:- Own the software architecture, redesign, implementation, and integration of MAC-side software for a new 5G NR physical layer, including PHY integration, emulation, and test capabilities.
- Define a portable, layered architecture that separates MAC behavior, the MAC-PHY interface, platform transport, and operating-system services. Support host-based simulation, execution on a simulated ARM processor, and deployment on FPGA and ASIC platforms.
- Define and evolve the MAC-PHY interface, including message sequencing, timing, buffer ownership, compatibility, versioning, and error handling. Coordinate changes with PHY and protocol-stack engineers.
- Implement and debug real-time control and data flows for terrestrial 5G NR, including PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, PRACH, SRS, HARQ, CQI, timing advance, and measurements.
- Design low-power communication between ARM software and PHY firmware using shared memory, mailboxes, interrupts, and efficient data movement. Address concurrency, cache coherency, memory ordering, backpressure, timeouts, and recovery.
- Extend the SystemC TLM virtual platform, with guidance from system designers, and carry the software through FPGA and ASIC integration. Debug system-level failures on simulated and physical SoCs.
- Build automated regressions, test-vector flows, traces, and KPI checks that correlate behavior across simulation and hardware.
- Review architecture and code, coordinate dependencies across software, firmware, systems, verification, and hardware teams, and gradually expand into production MAC development.
What you bring to this role:- Demonstrated experience architecting and delivering embedded C/C++ software for a wireless modem, baseband, or comparable real-time, resource-constrained system.
- Practical knowledge of 5G NR MAC and relevant 3GPP specifications, including terrestrial operation, scheduling, HARQ, random access, and MAC-PHY interactions.
- Hands-on experience debugging heterogeneous SoCs and hardware-software interfaces involving shared memory, mailboxes, interrupts, DMA or similar data movement, cache coherency, and multicore synchronization.
- Experience developing embedded Linux software and working with an RTOS.
- Working knowledge of digital communications and DSP sufficient to understand PHY processing constraints, timing, and data flow.
- Ability to decompose complex systems into clear components and interfaces, make sound architectural tradeoffs, diagnose integration failures, and collaborate effectively across software and hardware teams.
- A track record of independent technical ownership, supported by reproducible tests, version control, and clear design documentation.
- Typical background: BS with 7+ years, MS with 5+ years, or PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience in wireless communications, embedded software, computer engineering, or a related field. Equivalent demonstrated expertise is also welcome; these are guidelines rather than mandatory minimums.
Bonus points for the following:- Experience modifying SystemC TLM virtual platforms or integrating production software with virtual hardware models.
- Experience taking embedded modem software through FPGA prototyping, pre-silicon verification, ASIC bring-up, and hardware correlation.
- Experience designing or extending a MAC-PHY interface such as FAPI, nFAPI, or a proprietary equivalent.
- Experience with Zephyr, FreeRTOS, vector DSPs, or heterogeneous ARM and DSP SoCs.
- Experience optimizing modem or baseband software for low power.
- Experience with 5G NR non-terrestrial networks, including propagation delay, timing advance, Doppler-related coordination, or NTN scheduling and HARQ.
- Experience contributing to production protocol-stack software, including MAC, RLC, RRC, or a MAC-PHY adaptation layer.
Additional RequirementsThis is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
$140,000 - $200,000 a year
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Santa Clara office. The target base pay for this position is $140,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
