Microwave Instrument Digital & Signal Processing Engineer (entry-level)

Description

The team is a multidisciplinary group that builds payload solutions for space-based remote sensing and Earth Observation missions, based in Getafe, Madrid.

This is a junior role in the Microwave Instrument Engineering Team, focused on the digital architecture, signal processing chain and data flow that turn raw microwave radiometer readings into calibrated science data.

You will get structured mentoring and hands-on training while working on feasibility studies and flight-model implementation.

Responsibilities

• Define on-board data acquisition architectures and processing chains covering digital down-conversion, filtering, radiometric calibration and data compression, adapting existing digital signal processors or proposing new blocks.
• Implement, optimise and validate signal processing algorithms such as FFT, matched filtering, noise reduction and error budgeting in MATLAB or Python, and prepare them for porting to embedded C/C++ or FPGA.
• Build instrument performance simulators in MATLAB-Simulink, SystemVue or similar tools to assess data-rate budgets, dynamic range, latency and robustness through sensitivity and Monte-Carlo analysis.
• Support FPGA and firmware prototyping, connect digital processing units to RF front-ends, and carry out hands-on lab tests of frequency response, BER, clock jitter and timing margins.
• Work with RF engineers on ADC and DAC sampling interfaces and with flight software teams on telemetry packaging, data formats and ground processing needs.
• Write test plans, interface control documents and verification reports, and take part in multidisciplinary trade-offs across power, thermal, digital and RF, plus future mission proposals.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
• Entry-level experience, such as internships, academic research, a final degree or master's thesis, or first industry work in DSP or embedded instrumentation.
• Solid grounding in DSP theory (sampling, digital filtering, spectral analysis, calibration) and working skill in MATLAB/Simulink plus Python or C/C++.
• Fast learner with strong analytical problem-solving, clear proactive communication, and motivation to work in a collaborative, multinational engineering team.
• Advanced English, written and spoken, is mandatory. Fluent Spanish is an asset, and French or German is a plus.
• Nice to have: FPGA/HDL design (VHDL or Verilog) or embedded processor platforms such as ARM or DSP; hands-on lab work with logic analysers, oscilloscopes and data acquisition testbenches; knowledge of ADC/DAC space constraints, radiation tolerance or satellite payload development; exposure to ESA program phases (ECSS standards) or requirements management methods.

Conditions

Permanent contract, entry level.

Hybrid working where possible, with flexible arrangements.

Based in Getafe (Madrid) with the company Defence and Space SAU.

Company transport is available depending on the work calendar and home location.

The company is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications regardless of background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Benefits

• Vacation days plus extra days off during the year.
• Attractive salary.
• Life insurance, health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan or study grants.
• On-site canteen, kindergarten and medical office.
• Access to social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Upskilling opportunities and development prospects in a multicultural setting.
• Special rates on products and benefits.