SpinLaunch
Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect (UK)
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Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect SpinLaunch
Mission & Vision
SpinLaunch is designing Meridian, a next-generation broadband constellation to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity globally. By joining our team, you’ll shape a critical infrastructure project, working alongside top engineering and venture partners to accelerate satellite design, production, and deployment.
The Meridian program seeks a multi-disciplinary leader—someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with hands-on expertise in 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NTN). Your work will directly impact the future of global communications, as millions depend on this constellation’s performance.
Role Overview
As our Principal 5G NTN RAN Architect, you will own the end-to-end Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture for the Meridian NTN system. This highly specialized role demands expertise in theoretical and practical implementation of RAN architectures—bridging macro-level concepts with detailed, deployment-ready specifications.
You’ll lead cross-functional collaboration across three critical domains:
- Systems Architecture
- RF & Propagation Engineering (NTN)
- RAN–Core Integration —ensuring seamless coherence across every layer of the network.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead the definition and implementation of Meridian NTN’s RAN architecture end-to-end, ensuring multi-disciplinary alignment (RF, core, OSS, security).
- Specify maximum requirements for ground segment RAN systems, including interface specifications and traceability between space and ground segments.
RF & Propagation Engineering
- Design and validate RF system architectures, including link budgets, dynamic ante antenna system architectures for Meridian’s ground segment.
- Execute beam design & coverage modeling, using live testbed data analysis, with a focus on NTN channel characteristics (delay, Doppler, and fading).
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RAN–Core Integration & Validation
- Oversee lab/testbed build, including automated test execution and KPI-based performance validation across a full end-to-end 5G NTN stack.
- Develop emulator-based validation frameworks, using tools like Keysight/Spirent, to ensure reliable fabricability of proprietary 5G solutions.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Partner with network core engineers, space segment architects, and OSS stakeholders, ensuring alignment on service procedures, failure modes, and deployment validation.
Basic Qualifications
Education & Foundational Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in 3GPP NG-RAN/NTN and O-RAN deployments—including S3/S7 architecture and NTN-specific functional splits.
- Vestige expertise in satellite communications, covering space segment operations and ground station/terminal technologies.
Technical Proficiency
- Strong skills in RF analysis and channel modeling, including:
- Link budget calculations;
- Propagation effects (atmospheric fading, beam efficiency).
- Experience with beamforming/array theory, notably in satellite/commercial NTN deployments.
- Hands-on involvement in system engineering and architecture specifications spanning multi-domain technologies.
- Ability to analyze emulator-based testing environments (Keysight/Spirent) and automate CI/CD traceability in test workflows.
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Stakeholder & Communication
- Collaboration skills across:
- RF-specialists;
- 5G RAN engineers;
- Security/data help teams;
- Regulatory & business stakeholders.
- Excellent exchange and documentation writing, with clear articulation of technical specifications to mixed audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Depth
- Master’s degree in related field; component-level proficiencies preferred.
- Leadership experience orchestrating multi-disciplinary project execution.
- Practical experience integrating O-RAN CU/DU/RU solutions into lab-scale 5G NTN demonstrations.
- Strong scripting & automation tooling proficiency (Python, Bash).
Advanced Specialization
- Extensive experience with multitenant RAN architectures, including network slicing and quality-of-service controls.
- OSS/BSS systems integration for 5G deployments.
- Participation in standardization efforts (3GPP, O-RAN, ETSI NFV) or open-source telco projects (e.g., OAI, OPNFV).
Regulatory & Specialization
- Experience within EUMETSAT, ESA, or defense environments, where standards traceability and security are germane.
Company Culture
At SpinLaunch, we are committed to bold innovation while building an inclusive, high-trust team. Collaboration across borders and disciplines is core to how we function.
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.
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