Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications

Position: Senior Digital Signal Processing Engineer (Space Communications)
Senior DSP Engineer (Space Communications)   About Leaf Space
Leaf Space is a rapidly growingscale-up company and aleading 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. OurGSaaSsolutions 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, System Verilog, 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
Tech skills    Hands‑on experience with C/C++ or similar language for embedded DSP implementation

Proficiency in MATLAB, Python (Num Py/Sci Py), 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, System Verilog, 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

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…