The Role
Leads and grows the telecom engineering team while owning the architecture, roadmap, performance, quality, and delivery of 4G/5G satellite NTN systems. Oversees core network, DSP, physical-layer, and protocol-stack development from research and prototyping through testing and operational deployment. Manages technical standards, suppliers, partners, 3GPP engagement, project planning, team development, documentation, and resolution of cross-functional technical issues.
Summary Generated by Built In
With our groundbreaking satellite 5G constellation, OQ Technology is a global leader in IoT communication connectivity and associated services. We are a venture capital-backed company with a successful track record of satellite launches and are the first company in the world to disrupt the telecommunications industry by merging cellular 5G with satellites.
Our technology has massive implications for the Oil & Gas, Maritime, Industry 4.0, and Transport sectors, particularly in the management and tracking of assets in remote and rural areas and in extending 5G coverage through non-terrestrial networks.
As our wireless technologies continue to evolve and earn multiple awards, with funding for the next phase secured and strong commercial traction demonstrated, we are now looking to onboard a talented Telecom Systems Team Lead to join our engineering team in Luxembourg and contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.
The role is responsible for leading and growing OQ Technology's telecom engineering team and providing technical direction for the end-to-end telecommunication system underpinning the Company's 3GPP-based 4G/5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). The Telecom Systems Team Lead brings together the Core Network, physical-layer/DSP, and protocol-stack disciplines into a coherent engineering roadmap, with accountability for the architecture, quality, and delivery of the telecommunication stack from research and prototyping through to operational deployment on the Company's satellite missions.
The Telecom Lead manages the Senior Core Network Engineer, Core Network Engineer, DSP Algorithm Engineer, Telecom Engineer, and other engineers assigned to the telecom function, setting priorities, allocating work, developing technical talent, and providing technical and people-management leadership.
Tasks
Team Leadership and People Management
• Lead, manage, and grow the telecom engineering team, including the Senior Core Network Engineer, Core Network Engineer, DSP Algorithm Engineer, and Telecom Engineer, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Plan resourcing and recruitment for the team, define roles and career paths, and build the technical bench strength required to deliver the Company's telecommunication roadmap.
• Set individual and team objectives, conduct regular one-to-ones and performance reviews, and support the professional development of each team member.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture across the core network, DSP/physical layer, and protocol-stack disciplines, and ensure effective knowledge-sharing between them.
• Own the technical onboarding of new engineers and ensure consistent engineering standards, coding practices, and design-review discipline across the team.
Technical Ownership and Architecture
• Hold overall technical authority for the architecture and evolution of OQ Technology's telecommunication system, spanning the Core Network (MME, SPGW, HSS, OAM, IREG, IPX, BCE and related functions), the physical layer/DSP chain, and the NB-IoT/LTE/NR protocol stack adapted for NTN, including its PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC/RRM, and NAS layers.
• Define and implement NTN-specific technical adaptations, including propagation delay, Doppler effects, timing/frequency synchronization, mobility, and satellite-specific link constraints.
• Define the technical roadmap and research strategy for new functions, algorithms, and system architectures for 4G/5G communication over Non-Terrestrial Networks, and align it with the Company's product and mission timelines, tracking relevant 3GPP NTN standardization across Releases 17/18/19 and translating applicable features into practical solutions.
• Review and approve system-level designs, ensuring consistency and interoperability across core network, baseband/DSP, and protocol-stack workstreams, and across the space, ground, and user segments.
• Set and enforce engineering standards, design-review practices, and quality gates for networking architectures and control algorithms against latency, high-availability, and Quality of Experience requirements, from prototype through operational deployment.
• Own system performance models and lead cross-functional systems-engineering activities related to end-to-end system performance optimisation.
• Guide the design and implementation of microservices-based, real-time and near real-time applications (e.g. resource management, NFV) and of DSP algorithms and baseband processing for the telecommunication payload and user terminals.
• Oversee the development, optimisation, and continuous upgrade of the protocol stack(s) supporting current and future missions, ensuring features are delivered against space and product team requirements.
• Approve subsystem budgets and specifications (e.g. RF link budget, power budget) and confirm regulatory and mission compliance in coordination with the systems engineering team.
Delivery, Testing, and Operations
• Direct the full development lifecycle across the team, from concept, prototyping, and proof-of-concept experimentation through implementation, verification, integration, and deployment.
• Ensure rigorous validation of telecommunication software and hardware features through simulation, lab testing, and end-to-end testing in simulated NTN environments (e.g. using channel emulators), including protocol trace analysis, KPI evaluation, and systematic debugging.
• Drive robust software engineering practices across the team, including unit and regression testing, CI/CD, code reviews, and structured release processes.
• Oversee the maintenance, upgrade, and improvement of the internal telecommunications and RF lab, and ensure appropriate configuration control and version management of all deliverables.
• Support the space team with authoritative technical inputs for the design, optimisation, and maintenance of Operational and Demo Missions, including mission needs, expected performance, dependability, and safety goals.
• Own the resolution of escalations and cross-team technical blockers, and ensure timely, transparent reporting of progress and risks to senior management.
Stakeholder, Partner, and Standards Engagement
• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with external suppliers, MNO/MVNO partners, contractors, and research institutes, including evaluation of designs and acceptance of deliverables.
• Represent the Company in standardisation bodies (e.g. 3GPP, GSMA, ITU) and lead the Company's technical contributions to relevant standardisation activities.
• Own or contribute to technical documentation for project reviews, including ESA-related deliverables, and defend designs at formal project and customer reviews.
• Work with and support teams across OQ Subsidiaries and manage technical interfaces with external partners and contracting organisations.
Planning and Reporting
• Participate in project management and planning activities, including proposals, roadmaps, budgets, and resourcing for the telecom engineering function.
• Provide regular reporting on team progress, technical risks, and delivery status to the Head of Engineering / CTO and other stakeholders.
• Ensure proper documentation of all technology development undertaken by the team and maintain traceability for audits and project reviews.
Requirements
Education
• Master's degree (or higher) in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
Experience
• Significant professional experience (typically 8+ years) in telecommunications engineering, spanning at least two of the following domains: core network (EPC/5GC), physical layer/DSP, or protocol stack development.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring engineering teams, including performance management, technical coaching, and resource planning - equivalent experience as a technical lead, system architect, or principal engineer with demonstrated ownership of major technical workstreams is also welcome.
• Hands-on experience with 3GPP-based 4G/5G systems; experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communications is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with standardisation bodies (3GPP, GSMA, ITU) and managing relationships with external suppliers, MNO/MVNO partners, or research institutes.
• Track record of taking systems from research/prototype through to operational deployment, including verification and validation in lab and field environments.
Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of Core Network architecture and functions (MME, SPGW, HSS, OAM, IREG, IPX, BCE) and of NFV/microservices-based network applications.
• Solid understanding of physical-layer and DSP concepts (modem design, baseband processing, transceiver architecture) and of the NB-IoT/LTE/NR protocol stack.
• Proficiency with relevant development and simulation tools (e.g. C/C++, MATLAB, VHDL, Python for automation, testing, or analysis) and with CI/CD and version-control tools (e.g. Git).
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments, debugging and development tooling, and Git-based CI/CD workflows.
• Knowledge of RAN functionality (radio resource management, scheduling, mobility, synchronization, link adaptation), 5G core protocols (NGAP, S1AP, GTP-C/U), O-RAN architecture and functional splits (SCF FAPI/nFAPI), and SDR/open-source platforms (e.g. srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, Open5GS, free5GC).
• Familiarity with systems-engineering practices, including requirements derivation, performance modelling, and subsystem budgeting (e.g. RF link and power budgets).
Leadership and Personal Skills
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people-management skills, with the ability to develop technical talent and build a high-performing team.
• Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills, able to engage effectively with senior management, external partners, and standardisation bodies.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, able to balance strategic technical direction with hands-on problem-solving when required.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for partner, supplier, or standardisation meetings.
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.
Our technology has massive implications for the Oil & Gas, Maritime, Industry 4.0, and Transport sectors, particularly in the management and tracking of assets in remote and rural areas and in extending 5G coverage through non-terrestrial networks.
As our wireless technologies continue to evolve and earn multiple awards, with funding for the next phase secured and strong commercial traction demonstrated, we are now looking to onboard a talented Telecom Systems Team Lead to join our engineering team in Luxembourg and contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.
The role is responsible for leading and growing OQ Technology's telecom engineering team and providing technical direction for the end-to-end telecommunication system underpinning the Company's 3GPP-based 4G/5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). The Telecom Systems Team Lead brings together the Core Network, physical-layer/DSP, and protocol-stack disciplines into a coherent engineering roadmap, with accountability for the architecture, quality, and delivery of the telecommunication stack from research and prototyping through to operational deployment on the Company's satellite missions.
The Telecom Lead manages the Senior Core Network Engineer, Core Network Engineer, DSP Algorithm Engineer, Telecom Engineer, and other engineers assigned to the telecom function, setting priorities, allocating work, developing technical talent, and providing technical and people-management leadership.
Tasks
Team Leadership and People Management
• Lead, manage, and grow the telecom engineering team, including the Senior Core Network Engineer, Core Network Engineer, DSP Algorithm Engineer, and Telecom Engineer, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Plan resourcing and recruitment for the team, define roles and career paths, and build the technical bench strength required to deliver the Company's telecommunication roadmap.
• Set individual and team objectives, conduct regular one-to-ones and performance reviews, and support the professional development of each team member.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture across the core network, DSP/physical layer, and protocol-stack disciplines, and ensure effective knowledge-sharing between them.
• Own the technical onboarding of new engineers and ensure consistent engineering standards, coding practices, and design-review discipline across the team.
Technical Ownership and Architecture
• Hold overall technical authority for the architecture and evolution of OQ Technology's telecommunication system, spanning the Core Network (MME, SPGW, HSS, OAM, IREG, IPX, BCE and related functions), the physical layer/DSP chain, and the NB-IoT/LTE/NR protocol stack adapted for NTN, including its PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC/RRM, and NAS layers.
• Define and implement NTN-specific technical adaptations, including propagation delay, Doppler effects, timing/frequency synchronization, mobility, and satellite-specific link constraints.
• Define the technical roadmap and research strategy for new functions, algorithms, and system architectures for 4G/5G communication over Non-Terrestrial Networks, and align it with the Company's product and mission timelines, tracking relevant 3GPP NTN standardization across Releases 17/18/19 and translating applicable features into practical solutions.
• Review and approve system-level designs, ensuring consistency and interoperability across core network, baseband/DSP, and protocol-stack workstreams, and across the space, ground, and user segments.
• Set and enforce engineering standards, design-review practices, and quality gates for networking architectures and control algorithms against latency, high-availability, and Quality of Experience requirements, from prototype through operational deployment.
• Own system performance models and lead cross-functional systems-engineering activities related to end-to-end system performance optimisation.
• Guide the design and implementation of microservices-based, real-time and near real-time applications (e.g. resource management, NFV) and of DSP algorithms and baseband processing for the telecommunication payload and user terminals.
• Oversee the development, optimisation, and continuous upgrade of the protocol stack(s) supporting current and future missions, ensuring features are delivered against space and product team requirements.
• Approve subsystem budgets and specifications (e.g. RF link budget, power budget) and confirm regulatory and mission compliance in coordination with the systems engineering team.
Delivery, Testing, and Operations
• Direct the full development lifecycle across the team, from concept, prototyping, and proof-of-concept experimentation through implementation, verification, integration, and deployment.
• Ensure rigorous validation of telecommunication software and hardware features through simulation, lab testing, and end-to-end testing in simulated NTN environments (e.g. using channel emulators), including protocol trace analysis, KPI evaluation, and systematic debugging.
• Drive robust software engineering practices across the team, including unit and regression testing, CI/CD, code reviews, and structured release processes.
• Oversee the maintenance, upgrade, and improvement of the internal telecommunications and RF lab, and ensure appropriate configuration control and version management of all deliverables.
• Support the space team with authoritative technical inputs for the design, optimisation, and maintenance of Operational and Demo Missions, including mission needs, expected performance, dependability, and safety goals.
• Own the resolution of escalations and cross-team technical blockers, and ensure timely, transparent reporting of progress and risks to senior management.
Stakeholder, Partner, and Standards Engagement
• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with external suppliers, MNO/MVNO partners, contractors, and research institutes, including evaluation of designs and acceptance of deliverables.
• Represent the Company in standardisation bodies (e.g. 3GPP, GSMA, ITU) and lead the Company's technical contributions to relevant standardisation activities.
• Own or contribute to technical documentation for project reviews, including ESA-related deliverables, and defend designs at formal project and customer reviews.
• Work with and support teams across OQ Subsidiaries and manage technical interfaces with external partners and contracting organisations.
Planning and Reporting
• Participate in project management and planning activities, including proposals, roadmaps, budgets, and resourcing for the telecom engineering function.
• Provide regular reporting on team progress, technical risks, and delivery status to the Head of Engineering / CTO and other stakeholders.
• Ensure proper documentation of all technology development undertaken by the team and maintain traceability for audits and project reviews.
Requirements
Education
• Master's degree (or higher) in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
Experience
• Significant professional experience (typically 8+ years) in telecommunications engineering, spanning at least two of the following domains: core network (EPC/5GC), physical layer/DSP, or protocol stack development.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring engineering teams, including performance management, technical coaching, and resource planning - equivalent experience as a technical lead, system architect, or principal engineer with demonstrated ownership of major technical workstreams is also welcome.
• Hands-on experience with 3GPP-based 4G/5G systems; experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communications is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with standardisation bodies (3GPP, GSMA, ITU) and managing relationships with external suppliers, MNO/MVNO partners, or research institutes.
• Track record of taking systems from research/prototype through to operational deployment, including verification and validation in lab and field environments.
Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of Core Network architecture and functions (MME, SPGW, HSS, OAM, IREG, IPX, BCE) and of NFV/microservices-based network applications.
• Solid understanding of physical-layer and DSP concepts (modem design, baseband processing, transceiver architecture) and of the NB-IoT/LTE/NR protocol stack.
• Proficiency with relevant development and simulation tools (e.g. C/C++, MATLAB, VHDL, Python for automation, testing, or analysis) and with CI/CD and version-control tools (e.g. Git).
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments, debugging and development tooling, and Git-based CI/CD workflows.
• Knowledge of RAN functionality (radio resource management, scheduling, mobility, synchronization, link adaptation), 5G core protocols (NGAP, S1AP, GTP-C/U), O-RAN architecture and functional splits (SCF FAPI/nFAPI), and SDR/open-source platforms (e.g. srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, Open5GS, free5GC).
• Familiarity with systems-engineering practices, including requirements derivation, performance modelling, and subsystem budgeting (e.g. RF link and power budgets).
Leadership and Personal Skills
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people-management skills, with the ability to develop technical talent and build a high-performing team.
• Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills, able to engage effectively with senior management, external partners, and standardisation bodies.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, able to balance strategic technical direction with hands-on problem-solving when required.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for partner, supplier, or standardisation meetings.
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.
Skills Required
- Master's degree or higher in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- At least 8 years of professional telecommunications engineering experience
- Experience spanning at least two of core network, physical layer/DSP, and protocol stack development
- Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams, including performance management, technical coaching, and resource planning
- Hands-on experience with 3GPP-based 4G/5G systems
- Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks or satellite communications
- Experience engaging with 3GPP, GSMA, or ITU standardization bodies
- Experience managing suppliers, MNO/MVNO partners, contractors, or research institutes
- Experience taking systems from research or prototype through operational deployment, including verification and validation
- Strong knowledge of core network architecture, NFV, and microservices-based network applications
- Understanding of physical-layer and DSP concepts, modem design, baseband processing, and transceiver architecture
- Understanding of NB-IoT, LTE, and NR protocol stacks
- Proficiency with C/C++, MATLAB, VHDL, Python, Git, and CI/CD tools
- Familiarity with Linux or Unix environments and debugging and development tools
- Knowledge of RAN functionality, 5G core protocols, O-RAN, SDR, and related open-source platforms
- Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements derivation, performance modeling, and subsystem budgeting
- Fluent English communication skills
- Willingness to travel occasionally for partner, supplier, or standardization meetings
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The Company
What We Do
OQ Technology operates a satellite-based 5G non-terrestrial network that provides global IoT connectivity, including in remote areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. Its end-to-end enterprise connectivity solutions support applications such as remote asset monitoring, tracking, and communications across energy and utilities, maritime, logistics, agriculture, mining, security, and government/defense. The company offers satellite-based products that bring 5G connectivity to remote and challenging environments.
