Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.

We are looking for a strong backend Software Engineer to join the Spacetime team and help build the next generation of our platform: orchestration of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Direct-to-Cell services, and coordination between satellite operators and terrestrial mobile networks through 3GPP- and O-RAN-aligned interfaces.

Spacetime orchestrates radio resource management, the scheduling of pointing and handovers for steerable directional antennas and laser terminals, and the control plane for routing and switching across highly dynamic networks such as non-geostationary satellite constellations. In the cellular domain, Spacetime acts as the RIC/SMO for the NTN itself. The NTN work extends the platform with RAN and Core network models and with federation interfaces through which Spacetime coordinates with the SMOs of terrestrial mobile network operators for TN-NTN coordination.

First and foremost, this is a software engineering role. You will design and build distributed systems in a modern, cloud-native codebase, working side by side with our 3GPP/NTN solution architects who own the standards and systems expertise. Engineers on the team routinely pick up the telecom domain as they go, therefore deep prior knowledge of it is a genuine advantage, not a prerequisite.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Spacetime platform using C++, Golang, Java, gRPC, and Protocol Buffers
• Build scalable, distributed systems on Kubernetes
• Design and develop Spacetime features for 5G NTN and Direct-to-Cell orchestration, including RIC/SMO capabilities for the NTN, network model extensions, and federation APIs for TN-NTN coordination with terrestrial operators' SMOs
• Translate 3GPP and O-RAN concepts and interface specifications into clean, well-tested software, in collaboration with our solution architects
• Integrate with other components of the Aalyria platform to ensure end-to-end functionality
• Develop and maintain documentation related to the software design and implementation
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies related to 5G NTN, O-RAN, and satellite communications
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code
• Troubleshoot and debug issues in the software

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Engineering or equivalent work experience
• Professional experience working in C++, Golang, and/or Java
• Knowledge of gRPC and Protocol Buffers
• Experience building and operating distributed systems
• Familiarity with wireless communications, modeling of wireless performance, or satellite communications
• Strong technical communication skills, and ability to communicate across multiple functions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional software development experience on systems related to 3GPP 4G/5G networks: RAN (eNB/gNB, CU/DU), Core (EPC/5GC), or their management and orchestration (OAM, FCAPS, NRM/network models)
• Hands-on experience with the O-RAN architecture: SMO, Non-RT/Near-RT RIC, rApps or xApps, or the O-RAN interfaces (O1, E2, R1)
• Familiarity with 3GPP NTN and Direct-to-Cell / Supplemental Coverage from Space concepts (Rel-17+)
• Experience implementing or integrating against 3GPP or O-RAN specified APIs and data models (e.g. SA5 NRM, 3GPP SBI, O-RAN R1 service APIs)
• Experience with wireless standards work or applying 3GPP/ETSI/O-RAN specifications in production software
• Hands-on experience working with Kubernetes and cloud-native telecom deployments (CNFs, Helm, service mesh)
• Professional experience with performance optimization of distributed systems
• Experience working in the aerospace & defense or telecommunications industry
• Familiarity with software-defined networking platforms

What We Offer:

• Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter.
• Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules.
• Competitive compensation, Pension Plan, Health insurance, 25 days annual leave, Equity

Work Requirements & Location:

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. Work Location: Remote working within the UK.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.