Communications/Dsp Engineer Intern (Spring 2025), San Francisco

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.
As a team, we've launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.
Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we're very excited for the impact we'll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!
Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.
Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!
Communications/DSP Engineer — Intern ****
Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four-year university.
As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems — we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on challenging projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many of them are now full-time employees at Astranis.
If you have already graduated from a four-year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.
Role
Radio characterization test planning, automation and execution, for both lab and in orbit testing
Communications related signal processing algorithm design and test
Work closely with RF hardware, production, and software engineers on proving payload performance meets expectations
Work closely with FPGA developers to implement and test the signal processing on radio hardware
Run link budgets and optimize the radio system for maximum performance for different use cases around the world
Requirements
A passion for working in a fast-paced environment and constantly learning
Strong fundamentals in "signals and systems" (basic transforms, filters, aliasing, analysis in both continuous and discrete domains, interpolation, decimation, etc)
Strong fundamentals in digital communications (modulation, coding, synchronization, fading, doppler, multiple access, channel capacity, etc)
Familiar with software development (some experience writing software for DSP, MCU, and/or FPGA, experience in one or more scripting languages)
Familiar with analog concepts (amplifiers, analog filters, gain and delay variation, reflections, compression, etc)
Experience working with signal generator, signal analyzer, network analyzer, oscilloscope, etc
US Citizenship or Green Card
Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
Bonus
Experience with software defined radios
Experience with Python
Experience with GNU Radio
Experience with FPGA development (and/or embedded C)
The base pay for this position is $***** per hour.
Base Hourly Pay
$29
—
$29 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. ****b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.