Senior R&D Engineer

The Space Communications Research Group (SpaceComms) is participating in a project developing new technologies for next generation mobile networks that integrate space communication segments. This project involves a satellite operator with an ambitious plan to launch a LEO satellite constellation in the coming years.
The selected researcher will work in a team that is developing a next generation mobile core network architecture, which can enable scenarios where the base station (e/gNB) is not always connected to the core network segment. This is an important requirement in LEO constellations, where the base station included in the regenerative satellite payload does not always have visibility with the ground segment.
The researcher will work on adapting the development of an extended core network, called magma (https://www.magmacore.org/), developed originally by Facebook, and which has now become an official Linux Foundation project. This extension is mainly focused on adapting the code to run in embedded systems based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) modules, which are characterized by an ARM-cortex and FPGA module. Additionally to this adaptation, the researcher will develop novel functionalities necessary to execute the software in space, such as telemetry generation, configuration management, log system and bug reporting, telecommand system, etc.
Another task that the researcher is expected to conduct is to design a flexible payload system based on FPGA technology for current and future satellite missions. This technology, which is currently expanding in different directions, is highly anticipated by the industry as it allows to renew commercial in-flight deployable services without the need to build and fly a new payload.
The selected candidate will be part of the SpaceComms team that includes other researchers and R&D engineers working in the same project.

The work will include:
- Understand the current design of the developed system
- Adapt and port the developed software to an embedded system
- Develop new capabilities of the developed software
- Deploy testbeds to verify the conducted developments
- Formally document the development and execution reports
- Deploy Linux embedded projects (i.e. Yocto) in SDR modules

- Design and debug system architectures based on FPGA technology working on both hardware and software aspects.

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What will you enjoy?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We ask for two days in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.
• This is a full-time vacancy
• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance
• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August
• Fix + variable salary
• Optional benefits: Travel pass, restaurant vouchers, nursery services support, medical insurance
• Annual leave of 27 working days
• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle
• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.
• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• Company social and team-building events (virtual & in-person)
• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office two days per week: one to stay connected with your team and another one to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

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