QA Engineer (Ground Segment)

QA Engineer (Ground Segment) About Leaf Space Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and a leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications. QA ENGINEER (GROUND SEGMENT) JOB OVERVIEW We are looking for a QA Engineer (Ground Segment) to support satellite ground segment operations. You will work closely with the development team to monitor system health, investigate anomalies, validate software before release, and develop automated end-to-end tests. You will start with a structured process and progressively take on more ownership, growing into a key technical contributor. RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Monitoring Monitor system logs and operational metrics to identify anomalies Triage issues and distinguish between software bugs, configuration problems, and link-layer issues Contribute to runbooks and documentation, building long-term operational knowledge Software Quality & Integration Validate merge requests using established checklists before deployment Progressively deepen reviews, identifying logic issues, unhandled edge cases, and operational risks Develop automated end-to-end tests for realistic ground segment scenarios Define test environments and coordinate setup with relevant teams Maintain and expand the test suite, improving coverage over time Configuration & Change Management Ensure production changes are reviewed, tested, and properly documented Support configuration audits to identify misconfigurations or system drift QUALIFICATIONS & STUDIES Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, or related fields (e.g. Systems, Computer Science, Aerospace with relevant specialization) This role is suited for a recent Master’s graduate or someone with up to two years of experience REQUIREMENTS Technical Skills Solid understanding of modem operation and signal chain concepts (modulation, link budgets, FEC), with the ability to apply them in a diagnostic context Strong Python skills, including automated testing (e.g. pytest) and test design (edge cases, boundary conditions) Experience working in Linux/Unix environments and writing automation scripts Familiarity with Git and software development workflows Soft Skills Professional English proficiency Ability to clearly define technical specifications and communicate across teams Structured, analytical mindset with a methodical approach to unfamiliar problems Comfortable working across software and hardware domains with a good level of autonomy Proactive, curious, and ownership-driven, with a strong interest in understanding how complex systems behave and fail Nice to Have Familiarity with lab equipment (e.g. spectrum analyzers, signal generators) Basic knowledge of CI/CD or experience working on software projects in a team Exposure to cloud environments or APIs as part of testing or integration workflows WHAT WE OFFER A flat and collaborative organizational structure A fast‑paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale‑up Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem An international and diverse workplace Comprehensive benefits, welfare, meal vouchers, hybrid work policy to support work‑life balance, training courses COMPENSATION & TRANSPARENCY Reports to: Head of Engineering Seniority level: Professional Job location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy Salary range: €28-35K gross annual salary Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including welfare platform and meal vouchers (Italy) Department Product Development Locations Leaf Space Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About Leaf Space Leaf Space operates a fully owned, globally distributed network of ground stations, empowering satellite operators to communicate with their spacecraft in the simplest and most flexible way. Leaf Space enables TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking, and Command) and payload data transmissions via an easy-to-use interface, a proprietary autonomous scheduling software, and its network’s global coverage. Founded in 2014, Leaf Space has offices in Lomazzo (Italy) and in Delaware (US).