Onboard DSP Intern
Loft Orbital
Toulouse, France
Posted on Jan 13, 2025
Wanna join the adventure?
Join Loft Orbital and help us revolutionize the way satellites process and deliver data! As a fast-growing Franco-American startup in the New Space industry, we’re scaling up to deliver cutting-edge innovations. With over 20 satellites planned for launch in 2025, we’re pushing the boundaries of space infrastructure—and we need your help to make it happen.
What will you do?
As part of the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) team, you will contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of DSP solutions across our ecosystem. Your work will be essential to ensure our satellites deliver refined data to our customers efficiently and reliably.
Here’s what you’ll focus on:
Collaborate with the team to design and optimize onboard signal processing algorithms for our Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
Work on end-to-end DSP solutions, from pre-processing and real-time onboard processing to post-processing on the ground.
Help develop a cohesive strategy to integrate DSP modules across simulation environments and hardware platforms.
Explore and implement signal generation tools, satellite channel emulations, and other DSP libraries.
Participate in system-level integration, gaining exposure to on-orbit testing, satellite operations, and advanced mission scenarios.
Your contributions will directly influence the performance of our satellites and shape the future of space infrastructure. At Loft, you’ll not only work on algorithms but also see their impact as they are deployed on actual satellites.
What can we offer?
Hands-on experience: Experiment with advanced DSP tools and contribute to real missions.
Comprehensive training: Gain insights into DSP across simulations, hardware platforms, and space environments.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work with teams like Test Infrastructure, RF, On Orbit Operations, and more.
Exciting challenges: Be part of a dynamic startup shaping the future of space technology.
Vibrant workplace: Enjoy working at our Toulouse office in the city center (Jean Jaurès metro station).
Location: Toulouse office, city center (Jean Jaurès metro station)
Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check all the boxes.
About this role (main missions but not limited to):
- Collaborate on the design and optimization of onboard DSP algorithms for Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
- Develop and enhance DSP modules for use across simulations, hardware platforms, and satellite operations.
- Contribute to the creation of a test and integration strategy, ensuring consistency across simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and satellite environments.
- Work on signal generation tools, satellite channel emulation, and other DSP libraries.
- Assist with system-level integration and validation, from simulations to on-orbit testing.
- Explore innovative ways to improve the performance and scalability of Loft’s DSP ecosystem.
Must-haves:
- Strong academic background in Digital Signal Processing.
- Proficiency in Python, C/C++, and Matlab.
- Familiarity with digital communication techniques and RF systems.
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment like Spectrum Analyzers and Oscilloscopes.
- Excellent English communication skills to thrive in our international team.
Nice-to-haves:
- Knowledge of satellite communication systems or link budgets.
- Experience with GnuRadio, Jupyter Notebooks, or modern DevOps practices.
Join us and help build the future of space infrastructure!
Target Start Date: Early 2025 for a 6-month internship.
Who We Are
Loft Orbital builds “shareable” satellites, providing a fast & simple path to orbit for organizations that require access to space. Powered by our hardware & software products, we operate satellites, fly customer payloads onboard, and handle entire missions from end to end - significantly reducing the lead-time and risk of a traditional space mission.
Our standard interface enables us to fly multiple customer payloads on the same satellite, with capabilities such as earth imagery, weather & climate /science data collection, IoT connectivity, in-orbit demonstrations, and national security missions. Our customers trust us to manage their space infrastructure, so they can focus on what matters most to them: operating their mission and collecting their data.
At Loft, you’ll be given the autonomy and ownership to solve significant challenges, but with a close-knit and supportive team at your back. We believe that diversity and community are the foundation of an open culture. We are committed to hiring the best people regardless of background and make their time at Loft the most fulfilling period of their career.
We value kind, supportive and team-oriented collaborators. It is also crucial for us that you are a problem solver and a great communicator. As our team is international, you will need strong English skills to better collaborate, easily communicate complex ideas and convey important messages.
With 4 satellites on-orbit and a wave of exciting missions launching soon, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France.
As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.