Principal 5G Network Core Architect (UK)

SpinLaunch is building Meridian, a next‑generation broadband constellation designed to deliver high‑capacity, low‑latency connectivity to users around the globe. Backed by leading venture capital and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites and ground systems that will bring Meridian online. Joining the Meridian team means working at the forefront of one of the most ambitious commercial space programs underway today — designing, building, and operating spacecraft that will reshape global connectivity. You'll be part of a close‑knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast‑paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances a constellation that millions will depend on.

Your Mission on the Team:

• As our Principal Network Core Architect, you will own the backend architecture of the Meridian 5G NTN solution: the 5G Core, service and network management (OAM), and security architecture that ties the non‑terrestrial radio segment into standards‑based 3GPP networks.
• You will work at the intersection of cloud‑native 5GC, O‑RAN SMO/OAM, and security, and ensure that what we build is firmly grounded in the 3GPP and O‑RAN frameworks.
• As a secondary part of your mission, you will help shape and operate lab environments used to validate architectural choices.

This includes:

• Defining the 5G Core architecture, configuration model, and deployment pattern for the Meridian ground segment.
• Designing the OAM and service/network management architecture (FCAPS, SMO/OAM, OSS/BSS integration) for the Meridian ground segment.
• Owning the security architecture for the core, OAM, and management planes, including 3GPP security, O‑RAN/OAM security, key management, and trust boundaries.
• Leading the cloud‑native design and deployment of 5GC, OAM, and supporting control components (Kubernetes, CNFs/VNFs, observability, resilience).
• Defining and maintaining OAM data models and workflows aligned with standard management frameworks (O‑RAN SMO/O1/O2, NETCONF/YANG).
• Contributing to the design and operation of lab environments used to validate architecture and configuration choices.
• Planning and executing backend‑focused test campaigns (control plane, OAM, security, scaling) and feeding results into requirements and risk mitigation.
• Contributing to System Requirements, Architecture Description, and Product Tree documents covering core, OAM, and security.
• Collaborating with RAN, RF, and systems architects to ensure end‑to‑end coherence of the Meridian solution.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience architecting and deploying 5G Core networks (AMF/SMF/UPF/PCF/UDM).
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP 5G system architecture and procedures (Rel 15+).
• Experience designing OAM/OSS/NMS architectures (FCAPS, performance management, configuration, inventory) for mobile networks.
• Experience with mobile network security (3GPP security, IPsec/TLS, PKI, RBAC, logging/audit).
• Experience with cloud‑native telco platforms (Kubernetes, CNFs/VNFs, Helm/Operators, observability stacks).
• Hands‑on lab experience integrating 5GC + gNB + OAM using COTS components and standard interfaces (NG, F1/E1, O1/O2, NETCONF/YANG).
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, or similar).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across RF, RAN, core, security, and business stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience with O‑RAN SMO architectures and O1/O2‑based management and orchestration.
• Experience with multi‑tenant or multi‑slice 5G deployments, including QoS and policy control.
• Familiarity with emulator‑based testbeds (e.g., Keysight/Spirent) and CI/CD for test automation.
• Experience with telco‑grade high availability and scaling design, including geo‑redundancy and disaster recovery.