Microwave Instrument Digital & Signal Processing Engineer (entry-level)

Job Description:

An opportunity for a Junior Microwave Instrument Digital & Signal Processing Engineer has arisen within Airbus Defence and Space, Getafe (Madrid).

The selected candidate will join the Microwave Instrument Engineering Team, a cutting-edge multidisciplinary group delivering state-of-the-art payload solutions for space-based remote-sensing and Earth Observation missions. In this role, you will focus on the digital architecture, signal-processing pipeline, and data-flow algorithms that convert raw microwave radiometer measurements into calibrated satellite science data. As an early-career engineer, you will receive structured mentorship and practical training while contributing to both advanced feasibility studies and flight-model implementation phases.

Responsibilities

The main tasks of the jobholder will be:

• Digital Architecture Design: Define on-board data-acquisition architectures and processing chains (digital down-conversion, filtering, radiometric calibration, and data compression), tailoring existing digital signal processors or proposing new building blocks.
• DSP Algorithm Development: Implement, optimize, and validate signal-processing algorithms (FFT, matched filtering, noise-reduction, error budgeting) in MATLAB/Python, preparing them for migration to embedded C/C++ or FPGA environments.
• System-Level Simulation & Modeling: Develop instrument performance simulators (MATLAB-Simulink, SystemVue, or equivalent) to evaluate data-rate budgets, dynamic range, latency, and system robustness through sensitivity and Monte-Carlo analyses.
• Prototyping & Laboratory Verification: Support FPGA/firmware prototyping, integrate digital processing units with RF front-ends, and execute hands-on laboratory testing (frequency response, BER, clock jitter, timing margins).
• Payload Interface Integration: Collaborate with RF engineers on ADC/DAC sampling interfaces and synchronize with flight software teams on telemetry packaging, data formats, and ground-processing requirements.
• Technical Documentation & Trade-Offs: Draft test plans, interface control documents, and verification reports, actively participating in multifunctional trade-offs (power, thermal, digital, RF) and future mission proposal efforts.

Skills

Is your profile aligned to the following list of skills? Apply! We are looking forward to getting to know you:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
• Experience: Entry-level / Early-career (internships, academic research, final degree/master's thesis, or initial industry experience in DSP or embedded instrumentation).
• Technical Knowledge: Strong fundamentals in Digital Signal Processing theory (sampling, digital filtering, spectral analysis, calibration), coupled with proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and Python or C/C++.
• Soft Skills: High learning agility, analytical problem-solving skills, proactive communication, and the motivation to work in a collaborative, multinational engineering environment.
• Languages: Advanced / Negotiation level in English (mandatory, written and spoken). Fluent Spanish is valuable; French or German is desirable.
• Valuable / Nice to Have:Familiarity with FPGA/HDL design (VHDL/Verilog) or embedded processor platforms (ARM, DSP).Hands-on laboratory experience with logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and data-acquisition testbenches.Understanding of ADC/DAC space constraints, radiation tolerance, or satellite payload development flows.Exposure to ESA program phases (ECSS standards) or requirement management methodologies.

Which Benefits Will You Have as an Airbus Employee?

At Airbus we are focused on our employees and their welfare. Take a look at some of our social benefits:

• Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.
• Attractive salary.
• Hybrid model of working when possible.
• Collective transport service subject to working calendar/home location.
• Benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.
• On-site facilities (among others): free canteen, kindergarten, medical office.
• Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment.
• Option to access special rates in products & benefits.

#MYCYM

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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