Principal 5G Network Core Architect (UK)

SpinLaunch · London, GB

This job has been flagged as a Not American

Pay

$70k–205k

Setting

On-site

Join Our Talent Community If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Principal 5G Network Core Architect (UK) Full Time London, GB 30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1012 Apply Meridian is building a fundamentally new model for sovereign space infrastructure—delivering complete, owned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that provide governments and commercial operators with full control, assured access, and sovereign communications capability at a fraction of the cost of developing these systems independently. Backed by leading venture capital investors and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites, ground systems, and network infrastructure that will power Meridian's next-generation constellations. Joining Meridian means working at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious space programs underway today - designing and building constellations that will put sovereign connectivity within reach of nations and operators worldwide. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances the design, development, and deployment of satellite constellations that governments and enterprises around the world will depend on for secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity. Your Mission on the Team: As our Principal Network Core Architect, you will own the backend architecture of the Meridian 5G NTN solution: the 5G Core, service and network management (OAM), and security architecture that ties the non-terrestrial radio segment into standards-based 3GPP networks. You will work at the intersection of cloud-native 5GC, O-RAN SMO/OAM, and security, and ensure that what we build is firmly grounded in the 3GPP and O-RAN frameworks. As a secondary part of your mission, you will help shape and operate lab environments used to validate architectural choices. This includes: Defining the 5G Core architecture, configuration model, and deployment pattern for the Meridian ground segment Designing the OAM and service/network management architecture (FCAPS, SMO/OAM, OSS/BSS integration) for the Meridian ground segment Owning the security architecture for the core, OAM, and management planes, including 3GPP security, O-RAN/OAM security, key management, and trust boundaries Leading the cloud-native design and deployment of 5GC, OAM, and supporting control components (Kubernetes, CNFs/VNFs, observability, resilience) Defining and maintaining OAM data models and workflows aligned with standard management frameworks (O-RAN SMO/O1/O2, NETCONF/YANG) Contributing to the design and operation of lab environments used to validate architecture and configuration choices Planning and executing backend-focused test campaigns (control plane, OAM, security, scaling) and feeding results into requirements and risk mitigation Contributing to System Requirements, Architecture Description, and Product Tree documents covering core, OAM, and security Collaborating with RAN, RF, and systems architects to ensure end-to-end coherence of the Meridian solution Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field Experience architecting and deploying 5G Core networks (AMF/SMF/UPF/PCF/UDM) Deep knowledge of 3GPP 5G system architecture and procedures (Rel 15+) Experience designing OAM/OSS/NMS architectures (FCAPS, performance management, configuration, inventory) for mobile networks Experience with mobile network security (3GPP security, IPsec/TLS, PKI, RBAC, logging/audit) Experience with cloud-native telco platforms (Kubernetes, CNFs/VNFs, Helm/Operators, observability stacks) Hands-on lab experience integrating 5GC + gNB + OAM using COTS components and standard interfaces (NG, F1/E1, O1/O2, NETCONF/YANG) Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, or similar) Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across RF, RAN, core, security, and business stakeholders Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field Experience with O-RAN SMO architectures and O1/O2-based management and orchestration Experience with multi-tenant or multi-slice 5G deployments, including QoS and policy control Familiarity with emulator-based testbeds (e.g., Keysight/Spirent) and CI/CD for test automation Experience with telco-grade high availability and scaling design, including geo-redundancy and disaster recovery Experience integrating OSS/BSS systems with 5G networks via TMF-style APIs Familiarity with 5G NTN or SATCOM ground segment architecture Previous participation in standardization fora (3GPP, O-RAN, ETSI NFV) or open-source telco projects Experience working in ESA, defense, or similarly regulated environments Meridian Space UK Limited is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Back Apply Copyright © 2026, ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy | Legal | Requirements | Artificial Intelligence To manage your preferences, click here We use our own and third-party cookies and similar technologies to enhance and personalize your experience, analyze use of our website, and conduct marketing. For more information, please see our Cookie Privacy Statement To manage your preferences, click here

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