4100_PNT・測位_Time Frequency System Engineer

■ Company Overview

ArkEdge Space Inc. is a space startup founded in 2018, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and operation of small satellites. We focus on the development of ultra-small satellites, particularly 6U and 50kg-class satellites, as well as the creation of satellite constellations—networks of multiple satellites. In addition, we offer a wide range of services, including the provision of related components and software, as well as the operation of ground stations for satellite control.

With the mission of "Empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future," we strive to make space development and utilization accessible to everyone. We are developing ultra-small satellite constellations for various missions, such as Earth observation, maritime satellite communication (satellite VDES), optical communication, and LEO-PNT.

Furthermore, we are also supporting humanity's next frontier with satellite infrastructure development for lunar activities and deep-space exploration. By pioneering these initiatives, we contribute to the creation of a new space industry ecosystem beyond Earth.

■ Job Overview

This position is responsible for the design and development of high-stability timekeeping and frequency systems for satellite-hosted positioning payloads. Through technical evaluation and validation of procured atomic clocks, development of timekeeping control systems, and design of synchronization architectures between the satellite and ground segment, your work will underpin the positioning accuracy delivered by LEO-PNT (Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) and LNSS (Lunar Navigation Satellite System).

■ Specific Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and verify performance of satellite-hosted timekeeping control systems
• Technically evaluate and support selection of highly stable oscillators such as atomic clocks (TCXO, OCXO, RAFS, Cs/Rb standards, etc.); conduct technical coordination with manufacturers and procurement agents
• Design time and frequency comparison methods (inter-satellite and satellite-ground time synchronization architectures)
• Design and evaluate phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits and frequency distribution circuits
• Consideration and development of timing protocols for ground and space time synchronisation, such as NTP, White Rabbit and others
• Analyze and simulate timekeeping system performance (frequency stability, phase noise, Allan deviation, etc.)
• Contribute technically to the overall payload system timing error budget

■ Role Opportunities

• Play a central role in timekeeping technology that is the foundation of LEO-PNT and LNSS, among the world's first in the private sector
• Build expertise in the highly specialized field of spaceborne atomic clocks and high-stability oscillators
• Lead technical coordination with manufacturers and procurement agents
• Opportunities to collaborate with government and international partners including JAXA, NASA, and ESA
• Opportunities to participate in and present at international conferences and to publish research

■ Team & Culture

We foster an open and collaborative culture in which team members are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and constructively challenge established approaches, regardless of seniority or title. Our engineers come from both the space-sector and other technical backgrounds. We value the specialist knowledge of experienced space professionals alongside the fresh perspectives and transferable skills brought by people entering the industry. This diversity helps us respect proven experience while continuing to question conventional wisdom.

Approximately 10% of our employees are international, and some meetings and activities are conducted in English. We also use translation and communication tools to support collaboration across languages. As much of our technical work and wider company communication takes place in Japanese, international team members should be willing to learn Japanese and make an active effort to communicate across language barriers. At the same time, we continually work to include non-native speakers and encourage all employees to contribute to broader discussions about diversity, inclusion, and how we can improve our workplace culture.

■ Tools Used

• OS: Windows, Linux
• Precision frequency measurement instruments including frequency counters, phase noise analyzers, and spectrum analyzers
• Time and frequency analysis tools (Allan deviation analysis, etc.)
• Simulation and analysis using Python/MATLAB, etc.
• Code management: GitHub
• Task management: GitHub Projects V2 / GitHub Issues
• AI: ChatGPT Business/Codex, Gemini, NotebookLM Plus, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cognition Devin
• Version control: Git
• PC: Provided based on personal preference

■ Selection Process

Document Screening ＞ First Interview ＞ Second Interview (Aptitude Test) ＞ Final Interview

• Design, evaluation, or operational experience with highly stable oscillators or atomic clocks (TCXO, OCXO, RAFS, Cs/Rb standards, etc.)
• Experience evaluating and analyzing frequency stability (Allan deviation, phase noise, etc.)
• Experience designing and implementing time synchronization or precision time distribution systems (PTP/GNSS time sync, two-way time transfer, etc.)

• Experience developing timekeeping and frequency systems for space-borne equipment
• Experience designing and evaluating phase and frequency locked loop circuits
• Knowledge of space-based time comparison and synchronisation techniques (TWSTFT, GNSS, and others)
• Knowledge of design considerations for the space environment (radiation, thermal cycling, etc.)
• Experience preparing technical documents in English or conducting technical negotiations with external contractors
• Willingness to work in a Japanese-language environment for technical documentation and communication

• Deep understanding of the physical behavior of time and frequency, with the ability to trace design choices back to system-level accuracy requirements
• Ability to independently lead technical negotiations with manufacturers and procurement agents to ensure specifications are realized
• Ability to connect domain expertise to timing error budget discussions at the payload system level