Telecom R&D Engineer - NTN

With our groundbreaking satellite 5G constellation, OQ Technology is a global leader in IoT connectivity and next-generation satellite communication services. As a venture-backed company with a proven track record of satellite launches, we are the first in the world to integrate cellular 5G with satellites, enabling seamless connectivity for devices in remote and underserved regions.

Our technology supports transformative applications across industries such as Oil & Gas, Maritime, Industry 4.0, and Transport, extending reliable connectivity through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).

To support the continued development of our advanced telecommunications platform, we are looking for a Telecom R&D Engineer - NTN to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of 3GPP-based protocol stacks and NTN adaptations for NB-IoT, LTE, and 5G NR technologies, helping bring cutting-edge satellite connectivity solutions from research to real-world deployment.

Tasks

• Contribute to the research, development, and adaptation of L1/L2/L3 protocol stack components for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) supporting NB-IoT, LTE, and 5G NR technologies.
• Participate in the full R&D lifecycle, including system design, implementation, integration, testing, and performance optimization.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and enhance protocol stack behavior across multiple layers, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and NAS.
• Investigate and implement NTN-specific adaptations required for satellite communications, including aspects related to propagation delay, Doppler effects, and timing synchronization.
• Design and execute testing and validation procedures, including unit testing, system integration testing, and performance benchmarking.
• Contribute to software integration and deployment workflows, including continuous integration and version control practices.
• Stay up to date with 3GPP standardization developments (e.g., NTN features in Releases 17/18/19) and contribute to translating standards into practical implementations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including RF, FPGA, satellite systems, and platform engineering to integrate telecom stacks with hardware and system components.
• Support system-level analysis and debugging, including log analysis, KPI evaluation, and protocol trace inspection.

Requirements

• An academic degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in telecom R&D, preferably working with 3GPP-based wireless systems.
• Solid understanding of 3GPP protocol architecture and procedures in NB-IoT, LTE, or 5G NR.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, with additional scripting experience in Python for automation and analysis.
• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments with standard development and debugging tools.
• Familiarity with software development workflows, including version control (e.g., Git) and CI/CD practices.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex system-level issues.
• Good communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• IMPORTANT: Candidate must already reside in Europe or hold a valid European residence permit.

Preferred skills and experience

• Hands-on experience with 3GPP wireless systems, particularly NB-IoT, LTE, or 5G NR implementations.
• Experience working with NTN architectures and protocol adaptations defined in 3GPP specifications.
• Practical experience analyzing and modifying protocol stack components across L1/L2/L3 layers (PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS).
• Familiarity with core network signalling protocols, such as S1AP, NGAP, and GTP-C/U.
• Experience working with software-defined radio platforms (e.g., USRP) or open telecom stacks such as srsRAN and OpenAirInterface, or Open5GS and free5GC.
• Knowledge of O-RAN architecture and functional split concepts.
• Familiarity with Small Cell Forum (SCF) interfaces, including FAPI/nFAPI.
• Background in embedded or real-time software development, particularly on ARM-based or heterogeneous platforms.
• Experience with protocol debugging, KPI analysis, and system performance optimization in wireless communication systems.

Additional Information:

As part of the recruitment process, candidates may be required to provide a criminal record certificate issued within the last three (3) months.

Benefits

• Enjoy a 50% income tax exemption on your salary - an exceptional incentive for top talent relocating to Luxembourg, subject to eligibility conditions.
• Flexibility to work remotely one day per week.
• Opportunity to work on flagship EU space mission projects.
• A dynamic, high-growth environment with career development opportunities.
• Regular company events and team activities.