Software Network Engineer

ph3Software Network Engineer /h3 pbAbout Leaf Space /b /p pLeaf Space is a rapidly growth scale‑up companyand aleading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. OurGSaaSsolutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications. /p pbJOB OVERVIEW /b /p pThe Software Network Engineer will design, implement, secure, and optimize the networking software stack that enables a resilient, self‑organizing mesh network across a constellation of satellites. You will design and implement routing, SDN‑based control frameworks, link‑management systems, cybersecurity protections, and distributed‑systems capabilities that allow spacecraft to communicate reliably under constantly changing orbital conditions. /p pThis role blends deep networking expertise with systems engineering, real‑time constraints, SDN control‑plane design, and the unique challenges of securing communication in space environments. /p pbRESPONSIBILITIES /b /p ul lipDesign and implement networking protocols for inter‑satellite and satellite‑to‑ground communication, including routing, link‑state management, congestion control, and fault‑tolerant data transport. /p /li lipDevelop distributed mesh‑network algorithms that adapt to dynamic topology changes driven by orbital motion, intermittent connectivity, and variable link quality. /p /li lipArchitect and implement SDN‑based networking frameworks, including programmable control‑plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross‑link orchestration. /p /li lipDesign and implement SDN‑based networking frameworks, including programmable control‑plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross‑link orchestration. /p /li lipIntegrate cybersecurity into all layers of the communication stack, including encryption, authentication and secure routing for space systems. /p /li lipImplement real‑time communication stacks optimized for radiation‑tolerant processors and constrained onboard computing environments. /p /li lipCollaborate with RF, DSP, FPGA, and security teams to ensure end‑to‑end secure communication from PHY layer to application layer. /p /li lipEnsure reliability and robustness through redundancy, error handling, watchdog systems, autonomous recovery, and secure failover mechanisms. /p /li lipDevelop simulation and emulation frameworks to model constellation‑scale networking behavior, orbital dynamics, link variability. /p /li lipParticipate in code reviews, design reviews, and mission readiness activities across the software and RF engineering teams. /p /li lipContribute to system‑level architecture, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end‑to‑end communication strategy. /p /li lipContribute to networking architecture decisions, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end‑to‑end communication strategy. /p /li /ul pbQUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES /b /p ul lipBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. /p /li lip5+ years of experience in networking software development for distributed, embedded or real‑time systems. /p /li lipStrong expertise in networking protocols, distributed systems, cross‑layer optimization and software‑defined networking (SDN) /p /li /ul h3Tech skills /h3 ul lipProficiency in Python, C/C++, Rust or similar programming languages, with experience developing software for embedded or resource‑constrained environments. /p /li lipExperience with embedded Linux and firmware development. /p /li lipStrong understanding of wireless networking, link‑layer behavior, and dynamic topology management. /p /li lipAbility to design and drive end‑to‑end test campaigns /p /li lipHands‑on experience with cybersecurity, including encryption, secure communication protocols, key management, authentication frameworks, and secure boot. /p /li lipFamiliarity with simulation tools for networking. /p /li lipAbility to collaborate across hardware, RF, DSP, FPGA, and SW development teams. /p /li lipKnowledge of LEO/MEO/GEO orbital dynamics and how they affect network topology and link performance. /p /li lipExperience with DTN, MANETs or self‑organizing mesh networks is considered a plus. /p /li /ul h3Soft skills /h3 ul lipExcellent cross‑functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers and management. /p /li lipAbility to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams. /p /li lipRigorous, detail‑oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction. /p /li lipComfortable working in a fast‑moving, still‑maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands‑on implementation. /p /li lipFluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners. /p /li /ul pbWHAT WE OFFER /b /p ul lipA flat and collaborative organizational structure /p /li /ul ul lipA fast‑paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale‑up /p /li /ul ul lipChallenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem /p /li /ul ul lipAn international and diverse workplace /p /li /ul ul lipComprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work‑life balance, and training opportunities /p /li /ul pbCOMPENSATION TRANSPARENCY: /b /p ul lipReports to: Head of Engineering /p /li lipCareer level: P4 – Senior Professional /p /li lipJob location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model /p /li /ul ul lipSalary range: 55-70K /p /li /ul ul lipVariable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary /p /li /ul ul lipBenefits: €8 meal vouchers · Welfare platform · Hybrid work policy · Training opportunities /p /li /ul ul lipExpected start date: /p /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr