Software Defined Radio SDR Engineer

Benefits:

401(k)

Company parties

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Relocation bonus

Stock options plan

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

About Lynk:

Lynk is the inventor of satellite-direct-to-standard-phone (sat2phone) technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial sat2phone system. We are growing rapidly, and our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.

By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.

Job Summary:

Lynk is developing cellular-based space payloads and seeks engineers with expertise and experience developing and optimizing SDR based receivers and signal processors. Aspects of the position require and understanding of SDR and FPGA hardware, firmware, signal processing and algorithms, and software for both transmit and receive paths. The overall radio performance that we desire is enhanced by custom software that takes advantage of aspects of the protocol as well as the physical layer attributes.

Lynk is looking for an experienced SDR Engineer to support the development of SDRs for both its primary (payload) and secondary (TT&C/feeder link) radio functions using a proprietary protocol. The SDRs will initially be tested in a lab environment and then on the payload prototype in a lab environment that simulates orbit operations, and finally in space. The SDR Engineer will also be responsible for implementing methods for SDR data acquisition to ensure successful testing, verification, and validation.

We build spacecraft fast, so the perfect candidate for this role will have significant previous experience designing, developing, and testing many SDRs particularly on rapid timelines. They will also be able to take advantage of that the rapid cadence which creates frequent opportunities to validate and mature their work in a real space environment. We are looking for engineers that enjoy a challenge and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional problems.

Core Responsibilities:

The SDR Engineer will be responsible for design, development, and testing of all SDR software including its FPGA and host interface. This includes:

Evaluating SDRs for incorporation into our payload and spacecraft systems

Understanding the hardware-based requirements of SDRs, e.g., FPGA size, speed, internal clock stability, I/O interfaces, sample rates, dynamic range, radio chip architecture, gains and filtering as the signal progresses within the SDR.

Designing and evaluating DSP algorithms for satellite communication systems

Updating or creating host interface software to interact with the SDRs

Developing test software and drivers to support unit, integration, and system testing of all SDR software functions

Writing this software in C, C++, or other languages in a Linux environment

Working with other software team members to benchmark payload software applications

Testing and validating hardware blocks both in simulation and on target

Developing and maintaining documentation and ICDs for in-house IP blocks and other SDR related software

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree (or better) in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Excellent foundation in DSP and Communication Theory

At least three years of recent experience working with SDRs

In-depth knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory (e.g., filter design, clock recovery, signal detection, channel estimation and equalization)

Experience with implementing DSP algorithms in C/C++

Experience with device drivers

Ability to create testbenches for benchmarking and testing

Knowledge in PHY and MAC layers of cellular standards (e.g., GSM, LTE, 5G) is a plus.

Experience with implementing DSP algorithms in FPGAs is a plus, but optional

Experience using lab equipment for testing and validation

Experience with evaluating SDR platforms and specifications