5G PNT Research and Development Engineer

WHO ARE WE?

Sateliot is a Barcelona-based Startup in the New Space sector, becoming the first satellite telecommunications operator that will provide global and continuous connectivity to all the elements that will make up the massive Internet of Things (IoT) universe under the 5G protocol.

In order to do so, Sateliot is launching a constellation of last generation nanosatellites, located at low altitude that act as mobile towers. Sateliot is the perfect complement for large telecommunications companies by providing them with the necessary infrastructure where terrestrial technologies do not arrive.

YOUR MISSION

In this role, you will contribute to the research, design, implementation, and validation of innovative PNT algorithms, satellite navigation message processing, and UE-side signal-processing techniques. Your work will enable IoT devices to estimate their position, timing, and synchronization parameters directly from Sateliot’s 5G NTN network—without the need for GNSS receivers.
You will participate across the entire development lifecycle: from concept definition and simulations to lab validation under LEO-representative conditions, and finally to experimentation using real signals from the Sateliot constellation.
A key part of your mission will involve the entire lifecycle of research and innovation projects, from the ideation and writing of competitive proposals, to technical leadership and execution of EU and nationally funded R&D initiatives, including ESA, SNS-JU, Horizon Europe, and National.

YOUR MAIN FUNCTIONS

Develop and evaluate GNSS-free positioning algorithms, including differential Doppler analysis, propagation-delay estimation, and orbital-based modelling.
Contribute to the design and assessment of NTN timing-synchronization techniques, clock- offset estimation, and timing-message processing.
Support the specification and evolution of navigation payload software requirements, including PV-vector generation and SIB-based broadcast structures.
Perform analytical studies of satellite ephemeris, orbital dynamics, Doppler profiles, and signal behaviour in 5G NTN environments.
Conduct simulation campaigns to characterize positioning accuracy, timing performance, and error budgets.
Participate in the setup and continuous evolution of NTN lab testbeds reproducing LEO satellite dynamics and NTN channel conditions.
Support in-orbit experimentation, analysing real measurements to validate positioning and timing performance.
Produce technical documentation including architecture descriptions, algorithm specifications, performance reports, and research deliverables.
Collaborate closely with internal teams including RAN, core network, payload, system engineering, and terminals, ensuring alignment with Sateliot’s NTN roadmap.
Conduct research on emerging IoT and 5G/6G NTN (Non‑Terrestrial Network) technologies.
Support the preparation of competitive research proposals and grant applications, particularly for EU and national funding programs (e.g., ESA, SNS-JU, Horizon Europe).
Contribute to technical documentation, including project deliverables, reports, and scientific publications.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners across multidisciplinary domains.

REQUIREMENTS

PhD or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Aerospace, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
Strong understanding of satellite communications, orbital mechanics, or navigation systems.
Experience with signal-processing methods such as Doppler estimation, ToA measurement, frequency-offset tracking, or synchronization.
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for modelling, algorithm development, and analysis.
Familiarity with 3GPP NTN, SIB-based information structures, and the challenges of LEO-based timing is highly valued.
Experience with laboratory environments, RF tools, simulations, or wireless-system testing.
Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced R&D environments, independently and as part of a team.
Good communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

NICE TO HAVE

Experience with orbit-propagation tools, flight-dynamics concepts, or Precise Orbit Determination techniques.
Knowledge of GNSS messages, timing services, or high-precision synchronization techniques.
Experience with NB-IoT UE development, embedded systems, or modem-level signal analysis.
Participation in competitive R&D projects, scientific research, or technical publications.
Exposure to 3GPP standardization or NTN UE technical procedures.
Proven experience participating in or coordinating publicly funded R&D projects (SNS-JU, Horizon Europe, CDTI, etc.).
Knowledge of innovation ecosystems and industry initiatives (e.g., ESA NAVISP and ARTES, Digital Europe, CELTIC-NEXT).

WHAT YOU’LL FIND WHEN WORKING AT SATELIOT:

You will be part of one the fastest-growing start-ups in Spain with global reach along getting into the challenging world of New Space & Telecommunication.

Our culture is based on embracing openness by welcoming multicultural talent, being respectful with everybody and being open to exchange ideas. We are also committed to a healthy lifestyle by helping our team balance their work and personal life and also by providing them facilities for healthy habits.

We are a driven team with big goals, that seek for people who are genuinely passionate about their work and that also want to keep learning and getting better personally and professionally!

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Full time permanent Contract
Hybrid Work Model
Schedule flexibility
Flat and transparent organizational structure
Buddy Program to help you with your integration during your first month
Flexible compensation package: Tax benefits with ticket restaurant, transportation and kindergarten, training programs.
We promote good physical and mental health, with a Health insurance, Fresh fruit in the office and the possibility of sharing the cost of bicycle transport or gyms.
Work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multicultural environment that will allow you to boost your professional career
To be part of a strong, international, friendly and motivated team, where you can progress both personal and professionally
The chance to be part of one of the most exciting and disruptive space projects in Europe