Senior Software Engineer, 5G Protocol Stack

Senior Software Engineer, 5G Protocol Stack

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then youve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of space-powered Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are fundamentally changing the design, economics, manufacturing, coverage limitations and service deliveryassociated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

By building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space systemwith a unique antenna design, highly sustainable spacecraft system and low-cost, small portable end-user deviceswe can extend global satellite coverage, capacity and connectivity beyond legacy space services to provide a new kind of IoT platform that lets users sense, track, connect and act on information gathered, anywhere.

Were intentional, were unapologetically curious and were 100% committed to saving space, protecting our planet and turning connectivity into actionable intelligence.

As a Senior Software Engineer, 5G Protocol Stack, you will design, develop, integrate, and validate UE and gNB protocol stack software for 5G NR and/or LTE systems. You will work across one or more 3GPP protocol layers and collaborate closely with PHY, RF, and Core Network teams to deliver production-quality embedded software.

This role requires strong expertise in C/C++ development, POSIX environments, Linux-based embedded systems, and deep familiarity with 3GPP protocols. You will take ownership of complex software components and contribute to system-level integration and testing. This position is based in Duisburg, Germany.

What you will do

• Protocol Stack Development
• Design, implement, and maintain UE and gNB protocol stack components for 5G NR and/or LTE
• Work in one or more protocol layers, including MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS, Ng/S1, Xn/X2, and GTP-U
• Develop high-quality, maintainable C/C++ (POSIX-compliant) software
• Integration and Embedded Systems
• Integrate protocol stack components with the PHY layer and core network interfaces
• Perform embedded development and porting on embedded Linux, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr platforms
• Support system bring-up and end-to-end integration activities
• Verification, Testing, and Debug
• Develop and execute test cases for individual components and integrated subsystems
• Debug complex protocol, timing, and interoperability issues
• Verify functionality using test equipment and simulators such as Keysight, Amarisoft UE/gNB/eNB, or TM500
• Tooling, Build, and Workflow
• Work in Linux-based development environments
• Use and maintain build systems such as CMake, Make, or SCons
• Develop supporting scripts using bash or Python
• Participate in code reviews and continuous integration workflows
• Collaboration and Ways of Working
• Collaborate with cross-functional and geographically distributed engineering teams
• Provide effort estimates and technical input for planning and execution
• Document designs, implementations, and test results clearly and consistently

What you bring to this role

• Strong professional experience in C/C++ software development within POSIX environments
• Hands-on experience with 3GPP 5G NR and/or LTE protocol stacks
• Experience with embedded development on embedded Linux, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr
• Solid Linux development, debugging, and performance analysis skills
• Working knowledge of at least one scripting language (bash or Python)
• Familiarity with modern build systems (CMake, Make, SCons)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently

Bonus Points

• Experience with C# / .NET
• Hands-on experience with test equipment (Keysight, Amarisoft UE/gNB/eNB, TM500)
• Experience integrating protocol stacks with RF hardware
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and Agile / SCRUM development
• Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communications

At E-Space, you’ll work on cutting-edge wireless and satellite technologies that redefine global connectivity. We offer a collaborative environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities to grow technically while making a meaningful impact.

Why E-Space is right for you:

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. Thats why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference

Sustainability at our core

Fair and honest workplace

Innovative thinking is encouraged

Competitive salaries

Continuous learning and development

Health and wellness care options

Financial solutions for the future

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