Senior Engineer, Quantum-Secure Networks

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The incumbent will be in charge of either leading or supporting the project execution for the design and development of Radio Access Network - RAN infrastructure for satellite-direct-to-device (D2D) services. This role blends system-level architecture, Layer 1–3 troubleshooting, deep RF protocol expertise and leading validation from lab to field. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in wireless and satellite communications, signal processing, and RAN development to drive innovation in next-generation satellite-based D2D network.

Furthermore, the incumbent will be responsible for or assist in producing technical proposals in response to international tenders. This encompasses managing inter-company or consortia projects as the prime organisation. The incumbent joins an international team of highly experienced engineers and steadily assumes more responsibility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Be responsible as an engineer, as technical manager or project manager to carry out inter-company or consortia projects and services to external and internal customers within the agreed budget, specification and schedule, meaning:

• • Define the 5G NR Layer 1-3 system requirements and hardware and software architecture for Direct-to-Device satellite constellations.
  • Design and implement physical layer - PHY transceiver algorithms and medium access control - MAC layer procedures for direct to device (D2D) links based on LTE and 5G NR.
  • Define implementation and test plans for 5G NR Layer 1-3
  • Develop baseband modems on software defined radio - SDR platforms.
  • Evaluate the performance of the cellular base station in simulation and on the target platform.
  • Perform link budget analysis of 5G system between satellite and UEs.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (3GPP) and regulatory requirements
  • Contribute to the overall project system architecture
  • Work with other team members to benchmark payload software applications.
• Take an active part in SES TechCom's proposal activities through the provision of Technical Specifications, Statement of Works (SOW's) and Cost Estimations, in response to customer Requests For Information (RFI) and customer Requests For Proposals (RFP), whereby the activities could include the set-up, supervision and coordination of interdisciplinary, intercompany proposal teams in function of the technical and commercial proposal preparation and along contract negotiation process
• Proactively scopes the technical solution required to address customer requirements, assesses customers' met and unmet needs, and recommends solutions that optimize value for both the customer and the firm
• Awareness and evaluation of relevant technological developments, market trends, competitive factors, customer requirements, standardisation licensing and regulatory aspects. Make recommendations regarding the evolution of SES and SES TechCom's services and products
• Coach and mentor younger engineers in their domain of expertise.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong project management skills (incl. budget management)
• Ability to handle simultaneously multiple projects and leads
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to integrate into and lead cross-functional, multicultural and virtual project teams
• Proven communication skills
• Business-oriented and business-proactive towards potential and current customers
• Innovative spirit, proactive approach towards new technical solutions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team
• Good conflict management skills in a multicultural and interdisciplinary set-up

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's or PhD's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in 5G NR or LTE RAN development (L1 – L3)
• Deep understanding of wireless communication theory (quadrature modulation, channel coding, OFDMA, receiver theory, etc.) and signal processing
• Deep understanding of beamforming, massive MIMO, carrier aggregation, dynamic spectrum sharing
• Familiarity with 3GPP (Rel-15 and later) specifications
• Experience with L2 scheduling, HARQ, QoS, and mobility management
• Experience in O-RAN architectures
• General programming skills, e.g. C, C++, MATLAB
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex concepts to non-expert stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with experience in partnership building and working within industry standards and consortia.
• MEO/LEO satellite experience is a plus.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS 

• Fluency in English, any other EU language is considered an asset
• Willingness to travel internationally
• ESA/EU SECRET clearances are considered a strong asset. Candidate must be willing to undergo a security clearance procedure as this position might require holding personal security clearances
• Main interfaces to other departments: “Business Development and Sales”, “Finance and Operations”, “Project Management”, “System Architecture”, “Solution Engineering”