Company Description
PhotonâIV is a Canadian technology company specializing in intelligent connectivity between NonâTerrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Networks for defense, aerospace, and advanced communications. The team integrates wireless engineering with AI/ML to enable seamless handover between LEO satellites and ground networks.
Joining the company means contributing to cutting-edge communication systems that support critical missions. Team members collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment that values innovation, reliability, and technical excellence.
Role Description
The Principal Software Engineer â SATCOM is a full-time, hybrid role based in Canada, with a mix of on-site collaboration and work-from-home flexibility. This role is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of software that enables intelligent connectivity between satellite and terrestrial networks. Day-to-day activities include architecting back-end systems, implementing robust SATCOM communication services, reviewing and refining code, and guiding the technical direction of software projects. The lead engineer collaborates with wireless engineers, AI/ML specialists, and product stakeholders to translate mission requirements into scalable software solutions. Additional responsibilities include mentoring team members, ensuring software quality and security, and contributing to technical documentation and system integration efforts.
Qualifications
Located in Canada. Canadian citizen or permanent resident, eligible for Canadian Controlled Goods Program registration and a Government of Canada security clearance
- 7+ years as a Software developer with startup scaling experience
- Deep fundamentals in distributed systems, concurrency, networking and software architecture. Expert in at least one of C++, Go or Python, and able to work across all three
- Hands-on experience with telecom or network software at the protocol level: RAN, core, SATCOM, or wireless. Comfortable turning a 3GPP or O-RAN specification into shipping code
- Track record of shipping to customers with formal acceptance criteria: defence, government, telecom operators or safety-critical industries
- Production experience with Linux, Docker, Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines you designed or owned
- Clear written and verbal communication with non-engineers, including customers and program officers
Preferred qualifications
- Direct experience developing O-RAN xApps, or with RIC platforms such as ONAP, OSC RIC, or vendor SMO products
- LEO/NTN or SATCOM background: link budgets, handover logic, RSRP/SINR measurement, Doppler and latency handling
- Deploying ML inference in production, especially on edge devices, with attention to latency and resource budgets
- Observability and reliability engineering: Prometheus, Grafana, OpenTelemetry, SLO-driven operations
- Experience on programs under Canadian Controlled Goods, ITAR, or similar export-control regimes
- Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
