Senior Wireless Systems Engineer, R&D

About the Role

As a Sr. Wireless Systems Engineer on our R&D team, you'll split your time between sharpening the accuracy of our core satellite location system and exploring what comes next.

~75% of your time will focus on improving the accuracy of our satellite-based location solution — refining the algorithms and models that determine where a BLE device is on Earth from a satellite link, tightening error sources, and closing the gap between theoretical and achieved positioning performance.

~25% of your time will go toward forward-looking research, currently centered on a downlink beacon for time and position estimation — investigating how a satellite-transmitted beacon signal could give terrestrial devices an independent way to estimate time and position, effectively flipping today's uplink-only architecture to also support downlink-based localization.

You'll work closely with hardware, software, and space systems teams to turn research into technology that flows into production, while working within the ambiguity that comes with pushing beyond established standards.

This is a full-time, Seattle, WA-based position.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Satellite Location Accuracy (~75%)

• Improve the accuracy and reliability of location estimation algorithms for BLE-to-satellite links — timing recovery, Doppler/frequency estimation, multilateration, and error correction
• Characterize and model dominant error sources (satellite ephemeris, oscillator drift, propagation effects, multipath, receiver noise) and prioritize which to attack first
• Build and refine link and geolocation models to validate improvements before they hit hardware or flight software
• Design experiments — simulation, emulation, and over-the-air — to measure real-world positioning accuracy against theoretical bounds
• Work with flight software and ground infrastructure teams to translate algorithm improvements into deployed accuracy gains

Future Initiatives — Downlink Beacon for Time & Position (~25%)

• Research and prototype algorithms for a satellite downlink beacon that terrestrial devices could use to independently estimate time and position
• Model link budgets, signal design trade-offs, and expected accuracy for a downlink-based approach versus today's uplink architecture
• Run early feasibility studies and go/no-go experiments to determine whether and how a downlink beacon could be integrated into the network
• Document findings and present them in design reviews to inform whether this becomes a funded roadmap item

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Research-Driven Curiosity: Energized by open problems with no known solution; comfortable being wrong most of the time on the way to being right once
• First-Principles Rigor: Can derive system performance bounds from physics and information theory rather than relying on existing protocol assumptions
• Balances Depth and Breadth: Can go deep on incremental accuracy improvements to an existing system while also carving out real bandwidth for exploratory research
• Fast Iteration: Moves from hypothesis to model to experiment to conclusion quickly, without over-investing in dead ends
• Communication: Can explain why an idea works (or doesn't) to audiences ranging from RF specialists to space systems engineers to leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; Master's or PhD highly preferred
• Deep grounding in communication theory and signal processing (channel estimation, equalization, timing/frequency recovery, coding/error correction)
• Experience with geolocation/positioning algorithms (TDOA, FDOA, multilateration, or similar) is a strong plus
• Strong knowledge of wireless communications fundamentals (FSK, OFDM, MIMO, spread spectrum, etc.)
• Familiarity with existing protocols (5G/LTE, 802.11 variants, Bluetooth/BLE) as reference points
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python and/or C/C++ for modeling, simulation, and algorithm prototyping
• Comfort taking research to hands-on validation: lab bring-up, RF test equipment (spectrum analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope, logic analyzer), FPGA/SoC prototyping
• Ability to work independently across both incremental optimization work and open-ended exploratory research
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort in a fast-paced, early-stage environment, including availability for extended hours around critical milestones

STRONGLY DESIRED

• 10+ years of directly relevant experience, ideally including satellite or GNSS-adjacent positioning/timing work
• Experience with LEO satellite links, Doppler compensation, or extreme link-budget-constrained systems
• Background in time-of-arrival/frequency-of-arrival estimation or precision timing systems
• Experience with multi-radio coexistence and modem/microprocessor architecture
• Prior experience in an R&D or advanced-technology group

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
💰 Salary: $128,000-286,000/year (commensurate with experience)
🩺 Comprehensive Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options
🌍 Unlimited PTO
🚇 Commuter Benefits (if working from HQ)
🎓 Learning & Development Allowance
💪 Health & Wellness Stipend
🌎 Sabbatical Program – Recharge and explore new ideas
🛠 Cutting-Edge Space Tech – Work on state-of-the-art satellite system

The posted compensation range reflects multiple levels within Hubble Network's Talent architecture. Final level placement and corresponding compensation will be determined through the interview and assessment process, taking into consideration factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and geo location!

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15). More information on ITAR can be found here.

Hubble is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.