Open to opportunities

Rao Yallapragada

@raoyallapragada

Satellite systems architect at CesiumAstro, architecting regenerative payloads for DVB-S2/S2X and 5G NTN.

At CesiumAstro, I’m leading architecture, modeling, and performance evaluation for regenerative and software-defined satellite payloads. My work spans DVB-S2/S2X and 5G NTN waveforms, phased arrays, and complete space-ground communication systems.

At Qualcomm, I led the satellite systems architecture team designing and delivering the Globalstar 48-LEO constellation. I’ve also shaped LTE and early 5G modem architectures at Intel and wireless and satellite-adjacent systems at Verizon, bringing experience across satellite, cellular, and private networks.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Principal Communications Systems Engineer

Current

CesiumAstro

Apr 2026 - Present (7 months)

Lead end-to-end systems engineering for next-generation satellite communication programs, including architecture definition, requirements analysis, and performance evaluation. Architect advanced communication systems for regenerative and bent-pipe payloads supporting DVB-S2/S2X and 5G NTN.

Systems Engineering Satellite Communications DVB S2X NTN Phased Array Digital Beamforming Matlab Python Requirements Analysis Trade Studies

Distinguished Engineer and Systems Architect

Verizon

Feb 2021 - Dec 2025 (4 years 10 months)

Architected large-scale wireless and satellite-adjacent systems including private 5G, fixed wireless access, and non-terrestrial integration. Led AI-ZSM platform architecture for private 5G networks and evaluated LEO broadband constellations for integration strategies.

Private Networks Fixed Wireless Access AI Machine Learning Beamforming MIMO O RAN AI RAN System Architecture

Senior Director, Mobile & Wireless Systems Architecture

Intel

Sep 2014 - Nov 2020 (6 years 2 months)

Directed modem and wireless system architecture for LTE and early 5G platforms, delivering competitive SoCs for Tier-1 OEMs. Led LTE MAC-layer architecture and system-level integration of MAC, PHY, firmware, and silicon constraints.

LTE Modem Architecture MAC Layer Physics System Integration Power Optimization SOC Algorithm Evaluation

Senior Director, Space and Cellular Systems

Qualcomm Inc

Sep 1999 - Dec 2013 (14 years 3 months)

Led modem and wireless systems architecture across PHY, MAC, and control-plane design, contributing to multiple cellular generations. Led Qualcomm's satellite systems architecture team, designing and delivering the Globalstar 48-LEO constellation.