Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Role Overview

We are looking for a strong backend Software Engineer to join the Spacetime team and help build the next generation of our platform: orchestration of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Direct-to-Cell services, and coordination between satellite operators and terrestrial mobile networks through 3GPP- and O-RAN-aligned interfaces.

Spacetime orchestrates radio resource management, the scheduling of pointing and handovers for steerable directional antennas and laser terminals, and the control plane for routing and switching across highly dynamic networks such as non-geostationary satellite constellations. In the cellular domain, Spacetime acts as the RIC/SMO for the NTN itself. The NTN work extends the platform with RAN and Core network models and with federation interfaces through which Spacetime coordinates with the SMOs of terrestrial mobile network operators for TN-NTN coordination.

First and foremost, this is a software engineering role. You will design and build distributed systems in a modern, cloud-native codebase, working side by side with our 3GPP/NTN solution architects who own the standards and systems expertise. Engineers on the team routinely pick up the telecom domain as they go, therefore deep prior knowledge of it is a genuine advantage, not a prerequisite.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Spacetime platform using C++, Golang, Java, gRPC, and Protocol Buffers
• Build scalable, distributed systems on Kubernetes
• Design and develop Spacetime features for 5G NTN and Direct-to-Cell orchestration, including RIC/SMO capabilities for the NTN, network model extensions, and federation APIs for TN-NTN coordination with terrestrial operators' SMOs
• Translate 3GPP and O-RAN concepts and interface specifications into clean, well-tested software, in collaboration with our solution architects
• Integrate with other components of the Aalyria platform to ensure end-to-end functionality
• Develop and maintain documentation related to the software design and implementation
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies related to 5G NTN, O-RAN, and satellite communications
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code
• Troubleshoot and debug issues in the software

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Engineering or equivalent work experience

• Professional experience working in C++, Golang, and/or Java
• Knowledge of gRPC and Protocol Buffers
• Experience building and operating distributed systems

• Familiarity with wireless communications, modeling of wireless performance, or satellite communications
• Strong technical communication skills, and ability to communicate across multiple functions

Preferred Qualifications

• We know that engineers who combine strong software craft with deep 3GPP/O-RAN domain expertise are rare, and rarer still in 5G NTN.
• Experience in any of the areas below will make you stand out, but we do not expect any one candidate to cover them all.
• If you are a great software engineer and these topics excite you, we will give you the environment and the domain experts to master them.

• Professional software development experience on systems related to 3GPP 4G/5G networks: RAN (eNB/gNB, CU/DU), Core (EPC/5GC), or their management and orchestration (OAM, FCAPS, NRM/network models)
• Hands-on experience with the O-RAN architecture: SMO, Non-RT/Near-RT RIC, rApps or xApps, or the O-RAN interfaces (O1, E2, R1)
• Familiarity with 3GPP NTN and Direct-to-Cell / Supplemental Coverage from Space concepts (Rel-17+)
• Experience implementing or integrating against 3GPP or O-RAN specified APIs and data models (e.g. SA5 NRM, 3GPP SBI, O-RAN R1 service APIs)
• Experience with wireless standards work or applying 3GPP/ETSI/O-RAN specifications in production software
• Hands-on experience working with Kubernetes and cloud-native telecom deployments (CNFs, Helm, service mesh)
• Professional experience with performance optimization of distributed systems
• Experience working in the aerospace & defense or telecommunications industry
• Familiarity with software-defined networking platforms

What We Offer

• Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter.
• Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules.
• Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

(A) Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes

• U.S. citizen or national
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158

• (B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
• (C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.
• The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons.