Senior Software Engineer, 5G Protocol Stack

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve 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 delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

By building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system—with a unique antenna design, highly sustainable spacecraft system and low-cost, small portable end-user devices—we 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.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 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. That’s 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