DSP Product Lead

The Signal Processing Systems Team is part of Spire’s office of the CTO. Spire owns and operates over 120 nanosatellites constantly collecting RF activity across the spectrum. This team has the responsibility of developing RF payloads to support spectrum monitoring, geolocation, and other signal intelligence projects. Detection and characterization of cooperative and non-cooperative emitters as well as the geolocation of these types of signals are all daily applications one can look forward to in this role.

We are seeking a DSP Product Lead for the Non-ITAR RFGL pipeline offering. The ideal candidate will have both signal processing and software skills needed to integrate and test algorithms on the ground and in an SDR software application, with an emphasis on DSP development skills. This person should be able to develop signal processing and geolocation algorithms in Matlab/Python and C/C++ as well as help in the porting of these algorithms to a software-defined radio. Additionally, this role requires product management skills to bridge the technical and business aspects of our product development.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the product strategy and roadmap for the non-ITAR RFGL pipeline offering.
• Develop the signal processing algorithms and codes to turn raw RF sensor measurements into valuable products for a wide variety of global customers.
• Translate, augment, and implement prototyped algorithms into productionized ideas for use on the data processing pipeline as well as on-orbit.
• Work in a small team that will iteratively expedite the design and validation of ground-based solutions as well as onboard real-time processing on Spire’s constellation.
• Ensure that Spire delivers high-quality, low-latency services and products while pursuing novel, high-impact applications.
• Collaborate closely with the Signal Processing Systems Team to ensure alignment of product development with customer needs and market demands.
• Develop and prioritize product requirements based on customer feedback, market analysis, and competitive landscape.
• Support the marketing and sales teams with technical expertise and product training.
• Monitor and analyze product performance and user feedback to inform future product improvements and innovations.
• Implement algorithms for automating, monitoring, and delivering high-impact RF insights across the globe and spectrum.

Technical Responsibilities

• Conceive and scope projects based on services such as signal detection, acquisition, and geolocation derived from raw data sets collected by satellites.
• Develop tools and codes to characterize raw RF data sets (SNR, modulation type, etc.).
• Develop algorithms for the detection and extraction of both known and unknown signal types.
• Support the team in implementing and improving its geolocation algorithms.
• Test algorithms on local VMs and cloud infrastructure to verify they meet execution requirements, mathematical correctness, and stable runtime operation.
• Analyze existing data sets and plan future campaigns to collect new data sets based on customer requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• MSc or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or another field related to signal processing or geolocation services.
• 5+ years of development experience in Matlab/Python and efficient software programming in C/C++.
• Good understanding of detection, classification, and estimation techniques.
• Development experience in correlating signals, digital filtering, FFTs, matched filter banks, MUSIC algorithm, least squares and maximum likelihood estimation techniques.
• Scripting familiarity: Python, Bash, etc.

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Advanced signal processing techniques for detecting and characterizing a priori unknown signal structures.
• Demonstrated experience working with satellite-based PNT, L-band signals, and systems.
• RF programming (SDR, USRP, GNU radio).
• Experience using Docker, ECS, or Linux Containers in a production environment.
• High-level command of development tools like git, GitHub, CI/CD tools.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver complex technical projects.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and product management tools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and driven individual to contribute to the advancement of Spire’s non-ITAR RFGL pipeline offering and make a tangible impact on the company’s success.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI