Ground Systems Engineer

The i2cat Foundation is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer to join our Space Communications Research Group.

The SpaceComms area is currently participating in different activities that conform to the New Space Strategy of Catalonia. This strategy aims at promoting the space ecosystem in the catalan region and developing novel technologies that reach the market to boost private and public initiatives. Among the different activities that are planned in the strategy, the research and development ones are key to achieve the strategy goal.

The SpaceComms is conducting different projects in its New Space research programme, centered in pillar technologies: (1) integration of satellite systems in 5G infrastructure to conform NTN; (2) contributions to Software Defined Networks deployments in satellite constellations; and (3) developments of Inter-Satellite Link technologies. The research programme envisions to validate these developed technologies in dedicated CubeSat missions, that can additionally provide novel services to the catalan region.

As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will provide support in the concept, design, development, and technical implementation of the ground infrastructure of the Space Communications department at i2CAT. The ground infrastructure, spread across several locations, will support the department's research activities on one hand, and on the other, assist in the management and operation of the CubeSat missions at i2CAT.

Some responsabilities of the candidate:

• Participate in the design of the ground segment infrastructure, according to the department's needs and objectives.


• Assist in the technical development and implementation of the ground infrastructure, ensuring it meets the required quality and standards.


• Provide support to the Space Comms department's research activities, aiding in the advancement of 5G/6G space communication technologies.


• Assist in the management of CubeSat missions, ensuring their proper integration and operation within the ground infrastructure.


• Oversee and maintain the electronic equipment of the lab and the software infrastructure, ensuring they are operational and up to date.


• Deploy the on-ground equipment needed to perform the different experiments of the infrastructure.

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What will you enjoy?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We ask for two days in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.


• This is a full-time vacancy


• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance


• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August


• Fix + variable salary


• Optional benefits: Travel pass, restaurant vouchers, nursery services support, medical insurance


• Annual leave of 27 working days


• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle


• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.


• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.


• Company social and team-building events (virtual & in-person)


• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support


• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office two days per week: one to stay connected with your team and another one to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

If what you have read sounds good to you... let’s have a coffee and we will tell you more!

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Minimum requirements:

• Degree in Telecommunications engineering or equivalent.


• Demonstrated technical skills with the ability to address complex problems effectively.


• Familiarity with telecommunications ground systems and electronics laboratory infrastructure.


• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively within a team.


• Good English level, both written and oral.


• Expertise in C/C++ and python programming languages.


• Expertise in embedded systems, like Arduino.


• Expertise in integrating components and subsystems.

Desired requirements:

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, or other related Engineering disciplines.


• Experience in software-based systems, networks, and IT infrastructure.


• Prior experience in specialized areas relevant to space communications or CubeSat missions.


• Capability to innovate and think creatively in solving technical challenges.


• Ability to work flexibly across multiple locations and manage various project elements efficiently.


• Participated in previous CubeSat missions.


• Expertise with in-field experimental campaigns.