Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, a trailblazer in space robotics, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a sustainable presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are seeking a talented, experienced Mesh Network Communications Engineer to define the future of space communications in a fast-paced startup environment.
As a Mesh Network Communications Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing peer-to-peer robotic systems both on Earth and in space. Your expertise in mesh networking and delay-tolerant communication is critical to enabling robust, decentralized coordination among mobile agents operating in the solar system’s most challenging and connectivity-limited environments. Your work will not only contribute to ground-breaking missions, but also to technologies that have the potential to benefit humanity on Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement networking architectures for distributed robotic systems, focusing on mesh and DTN principles

• Evaluate and optimize performance of novel network topologies in hardware-in-loop simulations, field-tests, and physical deployments (e.g., orbital, aerial, ground)

• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and thermal engineering teams to integrate and optimize software on space and ground assets

• Stay abreast of advancements in networking, robotics, and space exploration technologies, leveraging new findings to enhance our systems

• Develop and implement robust software capable of enabling autonomous operations in challenging orbital and lunar environments

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including ICDs and verification plans

• Participate in design reviews, trade studies, and technical risk assessments

• Ensure software systems adhere to industry standards for safety, reliability, and performance in space exploration contexts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Robotics, or related field

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in network engineering, with a strong focus on robotics or space systems. Applicants should have expertise in one or more of the following:

• Mesh networking protocols (e.g., 802.11s, BATMAN, OLSR, Babel)

• Delay-Tolerant Networking (e.g., Bundle Protocol, ION)

• Routing strategies for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)

• Cross-Domain Networks (e.g., Outernet and the Federation API)

• Expertise in programming languages and software used in robotics and space systems (e.g., C++, Python, ROS), along with a solid understanding of Linux. · Comfortable working in research-oriented, agile, and interdisciplinary teams

• Track record of innovation in networking, robotics, or space systems, as demonstrated by patents, publications, or significant project achievements

• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts and collaborate across various engineering disciplines

• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Robotics, or related field

• 3+ years of experience working with mobile or autonomous systems

• Experience with AWS for network management

• Familiarity with space operating systems (e.g., VxWorks) and software (e.g., cFS)

• Familiarity with containers (e.g., Docker) and virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox)

• Familiarity with network emulation/simulation tools (e.g., CORE, NS-3, EMANE)

• One or more of the following certifications:
  CompTIA: A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+

• Experience with the end-to-end development and deployment of network software systems in space exploration missions

• Experience deploying software on embedded or fieldable hardware (e.g., Jetson, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, FPGA)

• Experience with network security or resilience in adversarial environments is a plus

Lunar Outpost is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status). We want all employees (including executives and HR) to treat others with respect and professionalism.