Company Description
Starbird AI is building next-generation positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology. We operate at the intersection of satellite signal processing, advanced algorithm design, and defense-grade resilience. Our team is solving hard problems in signal detection, Doppler estimation, and navigation — pushing the boundaries of what's possible in contested and GPS-challenged environments.
Role Description
We're looking for an Algorithm Engineer to join our core R&D team. You'll design and implement the signal processing and navigation algorithms at the heart of our technology — from signal detection and acquisition through positioning and tracking.
What You'll Do?
- Design and implement CFO (Carrier Frequency Offset) estimation and correction algorithms for satellite downlink signals
- Develop signal detection and acquisition pipelines, including matched filtering, energy detection, and blind signal identification in low-SNR regimes
- Build and optimize correlation-based algorithms for synchronization, signal tracking, and parameter extraction
- Implement Doppler tracking loops (code and carrier phase) for multiple satellite signals, including Kalman filter-based tracking
- Work on carrier phase tracking and Doppler-based positioning algorithms to achieve high-accuracy navigation solutions
- Develop and validate algorithms in MATLAB and/or Python, transitioning to FPGA/embedded implementations
- Support simulation, recording, and analysis of real satellite signals using SDR-based data capture systems
What You Bring?
- M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- Proven experience in satellite communications, navigation systems, or radar signal processing
- Deep understanding of Doppler estimation and tracking, correlation techniques, and carrier/code synchronization
- Hands-on experience with CFO estimation methods (autocorrelation-based, matched-filter-based, or equivalent)
- Strong background in at least one of the following: GNSS receiver design, LEO satellite signal processing, opportunistic navigation (SoOP/PNT), or communication waveform analysis (OFDM, spread spectrum)
- Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development and simulation
- Familiarity with SDR platforms (LimeSDR, HackRF, USRP, or similar) — a strong advantage
- Experience with Kalman filtering, inertial navigation fusion (IMU/INS), or sensor fusion — a strong advantage
- Knowledge of Ku-band RF systems, LNBs, and downconverter chains — a plus
- Experience transitioning algorithms to FPGA or embedded targets — a plus
Why Join Us?
You'll be working at the forefront of alternative PNT — one of the most critical gaps in modern defense and autonomous systems. Recent real-world events have proven that GPS denial is not a future risk but a current operational reality. This is a chance to build technology with direct impact on defense, autonomous systems, and critical infrastructure resilience.
Location: Israel (on-site / hybrid)
Interested? Apply now or reach out directly.