Software Network Engineer

Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and a leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Software Network Engineer will design, implement, secure, and optimize the networking software stack that enables a resilient, self‑organizing mesh network across a constellation of satellites. You will design and implement routing, SDN‑based control frameworks, link‑management systems, cybersecurity protections, and distributed‑systems capabilities that allow spacecraft to communicate reliably under constantly changing orbital conditions.

This role blends deep networking expertise with systems engineering, real‑time constraints, SDN control‑plane design, and the unique challenges of securing communication in space environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement networking protocols for inter‑satellite and satellite‑to‑ground communication, including routing, link‑state management, congestion control, and fault‑tolerant data transport.

• Develop distributed mesh‑network algorithms that adapt to dynamic topology changes driven by orbital motion, intermittent connectivity, and variable link quality.

• Architect and implement SDN‑based networking frameworks, including programmable control‑plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross‑link orchestration.

• Design and implement SDN‑based networking frameworks, including programmable control‑plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross‑link orchestration.

• Integrate cybersecurity into all layers of the communication stack, including encryption, authentication and secure routing for space systems.

• Implement real‑time communication stacks optimized for radiation‑tolerant processors and constrained onboard computing environments.

• Collaborate with RF, DSP, FPGA, and security teams to ensure end‑to‑end secure communication from PHY layer to application layer.

• Ensure reliability and robustness through redundancy, error handling, watchdog systems, autonomous recovery, and secure failover mechanisms.

• Develop simulation and emulation frameworks to model constellation‑scale networking behavior, orbital dynamics, link variability.

• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and mission readiness activities across the software and RF engineering teams.

• Contribute to system‑level architecture, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end‑to‑end communication strategy.

• Contribute to networking architecture decisions, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end‑to‑end communication strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in networking software development for distributed, embedded or real-time systems.

• Strong expertise in networking protocols, distributed systems, cross‑layer optimization and software‑defined networking (SDN)

REQUIREMENTS

1. Tech skills

• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Rust or similar programming languages, with experience developing software for embedded or resource‑constrained environments.

• Experience with embedded Linux and firmware development.

• Strong understanding of wireless networking, link‑layer behavior, and dynamic topology management.

• Ability to design and drive end-to-end test campaigns

• Hands‑on experience with cybersecurity, including encryption, secure communication protocols, key management, authentication frameworks, and secure boot.

• Familiarity with simulation tools for networking.

• Ability to collaborate across hardware, RF, DSP, FPGA, and SW development teams.

• Knowledge of LEO/MEO/GEO orbital dynamics and how they affect network topology and link performance.

• Experience with DTN, MANETs or self-organizing mesh networks is considered a plus.

1. Soft skills

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers and management.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Rigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation.

• Fluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A flat and collaborative organizational structure

• A fast‑paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale‑up

• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem

• An international and diverse workplace

• Comprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work-life balance, and training opportunities

COMPENSATION & TRANSPARENCY:

• Reports to: Head of Engineering

• Career level: P4 – Senior Professional

• Job location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model

• Salary range: 55-70K

• Variable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary

• Benefits: €8 meal vouchers · Welfare platform · Hybrid work policy · Training opportunities

• Expected start date: 1.10.2026