Senior Wireless Systems Engineer, R&D

Senior Wireless Systems Engineer, R&DSeattle, WashingtonHubble Network was founded with the intention of delivering on the promise of what Internet-of-Things (IoT) was supposed to be. We're building a global Bluetooth® network dedicated to machine-to-machine connectivity. We differentiate ourselves as the first modem-less and gateway-less, direct-to-satellite network from off-the-shelf Bluetooth® Low Energy chips. Hubble is ideal for applications in logistics, AgTech, and maritime where economies of scale for volume consumer and enterprise asset tracking is a priority. Our goal is to be the first billion-endpoint-connected network in the world.Hubble is an early-stage, venture-backed startup supported by some of the best investors in the world. In their previous lives, the founding team has been successful in raising $100s of millions in venture funding, developing the Amazon Sidewalk network, launching billions of dollars of space assets, and leading their teams to successful exits, both through acquisition and IPO. We are now looking to bring on talented team members who are the best at what they do to help us make Hubble a reality for the world.About the RoleAs a Sr. Wireless Systems Engineer on our R&D team, you'll split your time between sharpening the accuracy of our core satellite location system and exploring what comes next.~75% of your time will focus on improving the accuracy of our satellite-based location solution — refining the algorithms and models that determine where a BLE device is on Earth from a satellite link, tightening error sources, and closing the gap between theoretical and achieved positioning performance.~25% of your time will go toward forward-looking research, currently centered on a downlink beacon for time and position estimation — investigating how a satellite-transmitted beacon signal could give terrestrial devices an independent way to estimate time and position, effectively flipping today's uplink-only architecture to also support downlink-based localization.You'll work closely with hardware, software, and space systems teams to turn research into technology that flows into production, while working within the ambiguity that comes with pushing beyond established standards.This is a full-time, Seattle, WA-based position.What You'll DoSatellite Location Accuracy (~75%)Improve the accuracy and reliability of location estimation algorithms for BLE-to-satellite links — timing recovery, Doppler/frequency estimation, multilateration, and error correctionCharacterize and model dominant error sources (satellite ephemeris, oscillator drift, propagation effects, multipath, receiver noise) and prioritize which to attack firstBuild and refine link and geolocation models to validate improvements before they hit hardware or flight softwareDesign experiments — simulation, emulation, and over-the-air — to measure real-world positioning accuracy against theoretical boundsWork with flight software and ground infrastructure teams to translate algorithm improvements into deployed accuracy gainsFuture Initiatives — Downlink Beacon for Time & Position (~25%)Research and prototype algorithms for a satellite downlink beacon that terrestrial devices could use to independently estimate time and positionModel link budgets, signal design trade-offs, and expected accuracy for a downlink-based approach versus today's uplink architectureRun early feasibility studies and go/no-go experiments to determine whether and how a downlink beacon could be integrated into the networkDocument findings and present them in design reviews to inform whether this becomes a funded roadmap itemIdeal Candidate ProfileResearch-Driven Curiosity : Energized by open problems with no known solution; comfortable being wrong most of the time on the way to being right onceFirst-Principles Rigor : Can derive system performance bounds from physics and information theory rather than relying on existing protocol assumptionsBalances Depth and Breadth : Can go deep on incremental accuracy improvements to an existing system while also carving out real bandwidth for exploratory researchFast Iteration : Moves from hypothesis to model to experiment to conclusion quickly, without over-investing in dead endsCommunication : Can explain why an idea works (or doesn't) to audiences ranging from RF specialists to space systems engineers to leadershipBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; Master's or PhD highly preferredDeep grounding in communication theory and signal processing (channel estimation, equalization, timing/frequency recovery, coding/error correction)Experience with geolocation/positioning algorithms (TDOA, FDOA, multilateration, or similar) is a strong plusStrong knowledge of wireless communications fundamentals (FSK, OFDM, MIMO, spread spectrum, etc.)Familiarity with existing protocols (5G/LTE, 802.11 variants, Bluetooth/BLE) as reference pointsProficiency in MATLAB and/or Python and/or C/C++ for modeling, simulation, and algorithm prototypingComfort taking research to hands-on validation: lab bring-up, RF test equipment (spectrum analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope, logic analyzer), FPGA/SoC prototypingAbility to work independently across both incremental optimization work and open-ended exploratory researchStrong written and verbal communication skillsComfort in a fast-paced, early-stage environment, including availability for extended hours around critical milestonesStrongly Desired10+ years of directly relevant experience, ideally including satellite or GNSS-adjacent positioning/timing workExperience with LEO satellite links, Doppler compensation, or extreme link-budget-constrained systemsBackground in time-of-arrival/frequency-of-arrival estimation or precision timing systemsExperience with multi-radio coexistence and modem/microprocessor architecturePrior experience in an R&D or advanced-technology groupCompensation & BenefitsSalary: $128,000-286,000/year (commensurate with experience) Comprehensive Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options Unlimited PTO Commuter Benefits (if working from HQ) Learning & Development Allowance Health & Wellness Stipend Sabbatical Program – Recharge and explore new ideas Cutting-Edge Space Tech – Work on state-of-the-art satellite systemThe posted compensation range reflects multiple levels within Hubble Network's Talent architecture. Final level placement and corresponding compensation will be determined through the interview and assessment process, taking into consideration factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and geo location!Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents ("green card holders") as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15). More information on ITAR can be found here.Hubble is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.