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Senior RF Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($180M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. 

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.  

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.  

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply. 

The Role

You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for communication systems and beyond to be hosted on some of the biggest, most powerful, rapidly designed and rapidly manufactured satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new DSP algorithms and software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work with a team of fellow RF, FPGA, software, mechanical, and electrical engineers in order to prototype your systems and refine your designs. In your first two years you will have flown your system in space.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of DSP algorithms for embedded devices and SDRs

  • Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of software and hardware engineers to develop software defined radio systems

  • Act as technical leader and subject-matter expert helping to teach, grow, and mentor others in the team

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field

  • 5+ years of experience in RF digital communications and DSP systems

  • Strong knowledge of DSP concepts such as: modems, channelizers, Doppler compensation, resampling signal processing, adaptive filtering, and floating vs fixed point implementations

  • Strong knowledge of digital communications theory and systems including: spread spectrum, forward error correction, channel estimation, channel equalization, channel coding, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM

  • Strong experience with signal detection topologies including: burst detection, digital up and downconversion, IF signal processing, phase lock loops, costas loops, non-coherent detection, spreading and despreading algorithms

  • Strong experience in developing filter topologies including FIR filters, IIR filters, and trading between both implementations

  • Strong experience implementing transmitting and receiving topologies in GNUradio in simulation-only environments as well as coupled with GNUradio-compatible SDRs

  • Strong experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and high velocity start-up atmosphere

Nice to Have

  • Experience with FPGA design, implementation, verification, and validation for RF applications

  • Experience with phased array synthesis, digital beamforming, adaptive beamforming and nulling algorithms

  • Experience with signal intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and satellite telecommunications

  • Experience with channel emulators, and writing system-level simulations that go beyond the DSP layer

  • Experience with software defined radio hardware development including data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces

  • Experience with coupled hardware and DSP algorithm design, specifically with respect to compensation and continuous monitoring of analog-front end characteristics

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company

  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

  • Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

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