Core Software Engineer - 5G Core Network

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life. We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer with background in 5G Core Network development to join our team. This role focuses on architecting, developing, and maintaining critical network functions and control-plane services that form the backbone of next-generation mobile telecommunications infrastructure. You will apply your expertise in 3GPP protocols, distributed systems, and service-oriented architecture to advance our 5G Core processing solutions while contributing to mission-critical telecommunication systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly support advanced network capabilities and develop innovative solutions that drive the evolution of satellite networks. What you will do: Design, develop, and maintain 5G Core Network Functions and their associated service-based interfaces (Namf, Nsmf, Nupf, etc.) using modern C++, Python, or equivalent languages on Linux-based systems Develop and implement 3GPP protocols including NAS, PFCP, GTP-U, HTTP/2, and network interfaces such as N4 and N11 to ensure standards compliance and interoperability Build and enhance service-based microservices architecture with REST-like APIs, leveraging distributed systems design patterns and modern deployment practices Troubleshoot complex distributed systems issues, analyze control-plane signaling paths, and debug protocol interactions across the 5G core infrastructure Develop and maintain 5G core network control-plane probes for real-time monitoring, protocol decoding, signaling extraction, and network traffic analysis Design and implement automated test frameworks for functional, integration, and regression testing of 5G Core features with comprehensive results tracking and validation Collaborate with technical leaders and cross-functional teams to elicit requirements, develop technical documentation, and lead concept demonstrations Perform technical research, develop performance analysis tools, and optimize network configurations to improve system KPIs and operational efficiency Support products through the full release cycle including testing, validation, and deployment What you bring to this role: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field) Minimum 8 years of professional software development experience in telecommunications or networking domains 5+ years of hands-on development experience with 5G Core Network Functions or equivalent LTE/4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) systems Proficiency in C++, Python, or equivalent modern programming languages with demonstrated ability to architect and implement complex telecommunications processing solutions Deep knowledge of 3GPP specifications and RAN/5G-NR/LTE protocols with hands-on experience resolving protocol-layer issues Strong understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and control-plane signaling patterns Experience with automated testing frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and test case development with comprehensive tracking methodologies Proven debugging and performance optimization skills with exceptional analytical capabilities and strong engineering fundamentals Experience troubleshooting and analyzing logs from network elements using specialized tools Bonus points for the following: 5G Core network control-plane probe development for advanced monitoring, traffic replay, and protocol analysis In-depth knowledge of specific 5G network functions: AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, NRF including behavior, interactions, and call flows Observability frameworks and tools (OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana) for monitoring distributed telecommunications systems Network virtualization and containerization technologies (KVM, VMware, OpenStack, AWS, Kubernetes, Helm, Docker) Reverse engineering of telecommunications protocols and proprietary network implementations User Equipment (UE) and network element log analysis using specialized tools (QXDM, XCAL, or equivalent) Development with modern languages like Go or Rust for systems programming Experience with LTE/4G EPC systems (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) demonstrating protocol evolution knowledge Building software tools and data pipelines for network performance analysis and optimization Additional Requirements This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected. $160,000 - $200,000 a year This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Santa Clara, CA office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed. E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. The Company is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. Why E-Space is right for you: As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry. We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space: An opportunity to really make a difference Sustainability at our core Fair and honest workplace Innovative thinking is encouraged Competitive salaries Continuous learning and development Health and wellness care options Financial solutions for the future Optional legal services (US only) Paid holidays Paid time off We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.