ph3Software Network Engineer /h3pAbout Leaf Space /ppLeaf 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. /ph3JOB OVERVIEW /h3pThe 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. /ppThis 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. /ph3RESPONSIBILITIES /h3ulliDesign and implement networking protocols for inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, including routing, link-state management, congestion control, and fault-tolerant data transport. /liliDevelop distributed mesh-network algorithms that adapt to dynamic topology changes driven by orbital motion, intermittent connectivity, and variable link quality. /liliArchitect and implement SDN-based networking frameworks, including programmable control-plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross-link orchestration. /liliDesign and implement SDN-based networking frameworks, including programmable control-plane logic for dynamic topology management, policy enforcement, and cross-link orchestration. /liliIntegrate cybersecurity into all layers of the communication stack, including encryption, authentication and secure routing for space systems.



/liliImplement real-time communication stacks optimized for radiation-tolerant processors and constrained onboard computing environments. /liliCollaborate with RF, DSP, FPGA, and security teams to ensure end-to-end secure communication from PHY layer to application layer. /liliEnsure reliability and robustness through redundancy, error handling, watchdog systems, autonomous recovery, and secure failover mechanisms. /liliDevelop simulation and emulation frameworks to model constellation-scale networking behavior, orbital dynamics, link variability. /liliParticipate in code reviews, design reviews, and mission readiness activities across the software and RF engineering teams. /liliContribute to system-level architecture, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end-to-end communication strategy. /liliContribute to networking architecture decisions, including protocol selection, SDN controller design, interface definitions, and end-to-end communication strategy. /li /ulh3QUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES /h3ulliBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. /lili5+ years of experience in networking software development for distributed, embedded or real-time systems. /liliStrong expertise in networking protocols, distributed systems, cross-layer optimization and software-defined networking (SDN) /li /ulh3REQUIREMENTS /h3ulliTech skillsulliProficiency in Python, C/C++, Rust or similar programming languages, with experience developing software for embedded or resource-constrained environments. /liliExperience with embedded Linux and firmware development. /liliStrong understanding of wireless networking, link-layer behavior,



and dynamic topology management. /liliAbility to design and drive end-to-end test campaigns /liliHands-on experience with cybersecurity, including encryption, secure communication protocols, key management, authentication frameworks, and secure boot. /liliFamiliarity with simulation tools for networking. /liliAbility to collaborate across hardware, RF, DSP, FPGA, and SW development teams. /liliKnowledge of LEO/MEO/GEO orbital dynamics and how they affect network topology and link performance. /liliExperience with DTN, MANETs or self-organizing mesh networks is considered a plus. /li /ul /liliSoft skillsulliExcellent cross-functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers and management. /liliAbility to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams. /liliRigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction. /liliComfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation. /liliFluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners. /li /ul /li /ulh3WHAT WE OFFER /h3ulliA flat and collaborative organizational structure /liliA fast-paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale-up /liliChallenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem /liliAn international and diverse workplace /liliComprehensive benefits package, including a welfare platform, meal vouchers, a hybrid work policy supporting work-life balance, and training opportunities /li /ulh3COMPENSATION TRANSPARENCY /h3ulliReports to: Head of Engineering /liliCareer level: P4 - Senior Professional /liliJob location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy | Hybrid work model /liliSalary range: 55-70K /liliVariable compensation: 10% of annual gross salary /liliBenefits: €8 meal vouchers, Welfare platform, Hybrid work policy, Training opportunities /liliExpected start date: /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Software Network Engineer (Lomazzo)
🏢 Leaf Space
📍 Lomazzo