Communications Network Engineer

We are building the next-generation communication systems for our growing satellite constellation and are looking for a practical, curious, and collaborative network engineer. You will help design, prototype and support IP-based communications for LEO networks and work closely with teams across software, RF, and hardware. If you enjoy hands-on engineering, solving real problems, and learning new technologies, this role will give you room to grow and make an impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement and support an IP-based network with communication features. The network spans multiple AWS regions, ground stations, and spacecraft. It is implemented on Linux. You are responsible for configuring the network infrastructure across observability, DNS, dynamic routing, VPN, QoS, security, and more. 
• Contribute to the development of the upper communication layers software using simple and reliable approaches (TUN or TAP) and speeding up development via open-source tools.
• Assess network operational performance:
  • Build network monitoring tools for packet, routing, connection metrics, throughput, latency, traffic flows etc
    • Contribute to continuous improvements in constellation communication performance, monitoring, debugging, testing, and system understanding 
• Support definition of QoS features, routing and traffic handling, and resource use and monitoring in a multi-tenancy environment
• Participate in team discussions, share ideas, and help solve problems in a clear and supportive way
• Work closely with lower communication layers engineers as well as security team and infrastructure engineers to ensure smooth integration across systems.

Basic Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience with the design and implementation of communication networks
• IP networking (TCP/UDP), tunnelling techniques, and secure data handling
• Practical understanding of networking concepts, especially network and transport protocols.
• A collaboration approach that is proactive, transparent, and truth seeking. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive attitude, bias for action, adaptability, and openness to learning new technologies and interacting with new people

Preferred Skills

These are nice to have, not must haves. If you meet some but not all, you are encouraged to apply. 

• Exposure to lower layer protocols or satellite communication 
• Some familiarity with CCSDS protocols (CFTP, etc), QUIC protocol, or Space Packet protocol
• Some familiarity with embedded SoC development
• Interest or experience in Rust or Python (the primary languages used for our software systems)
• Comfortable learning new technologies, asking questions, and working in a collaborative environment
• Exposure to lower layer protocols or satellite communications systems in Low Earth Orbit
• Experience with spatiotemporal networking for systems with rapidly changing topology 

Bonus Points

• Formal education in engineering or computer science is welcome, although strong hands-on experience and software coding skills is equally valued.
• Familiarity with L1-L2 protocols to support interfacing upper-layers. Knowledge of GSE-DVB, DVB-S2(X) and related ETSI protocols, TC/TM and related AOS COP-1, CFDP, SCPS CCSDS protocols, QUIC protocol, Space Packet protocol.
• Some familiarity with embedded SoC development
• Experience with C/C++, and basic Linux system-level programming 

About the Role

As a Network Engineer on our Communication Systems team, you will help shape the infrastructure that moves data across our satellite network. You will design, prototype, and improve the systems and software that keep our constellation connected. You will work side by side with engineers across operations, hardware, and software, and your work will directly influence how our space systems operate. We welcome candidates who bring curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to grow. Your team is spread across multiple offices and time zones including California, Glasgow and western Europe. The ideal candidate is flexible to regular late afternoon meetings to accommodate this.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. _#LI-RK1