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CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal FPGA Engineer to lead FPGA design and verification efforts for space-based communication systems, satellites, UAVs, and aerospace platforms. This is a hands-on technical leadership role in a dynamic startup environment focused on cutting-edge hardware development.
In this position, you will own FPGA circuits and systems through all phases of development, from architecture definition through deployment. You will lead FPGA design and verification efforts ensuring compliance with industry standards and program requirements. Working with cross-functional teams (system engineering, hardware designers, software engineers), you will define FPGA architecture, partitioning, interface definitions, and specifications. You will develop FPGA architecture based on high-level system requirements, formulate part selections, and create SWAP-C estimates with emphasis on FPGA utilization and power consumption.
As a principal-level engineer, you will act as the subject matter expert in design reviews, presenting engineering materials to customers and the executive team. You will participate in proposal-writing efforts and mentor junior FPGA designers to drive efficiency, quality, and consistency. You will maintain awareness of emerging technologies to inform future product development for space applications.
Key responsibilities include leading FPGA design and verification for space programs, collaborating on architecture and specifications, developing optimized FPGA implementations, conducting expertise-driven design reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and staying current with emerging space technologies.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited institution
- 12+ years of industry or university research experience in FPGA design, analysis, and implementation at the HDL level
- Proficiency in VHDL and/or Verilog design capture
- Familiarity with radiation-tolerant FPGA devices (Xilinx Versal, Xilinx UltraScale+, Xilinx RFSoC, Microsemi PolarFire, RTG-4)
- Expertise in FPGA implementation (synthesis, place and route, timing closure) and verification
- Proficiency with HDL coder, Modelsim RTL simulation tools, Xilinx and Microsemi tool flows
- Strong understanding of space environment considerations and radiation effects on FPGA parts with mitigation techniques
- Hands-on experience with lab instruments (digital oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, RF signal generators, vector signal analyzers)
- Experience with high-speed interfaces and power optimization techniques for space applications
- Proven track record of successful FPGA designs deployed in space programs
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Worst-case analysis, failure mode and criticality analyses, and reliability analysis
- Digital communications and digital signal processing
- Board-level hardware design
- Ability to work efficiently with distributed teams
- Git source code control proficiency
- Firmware development using agile flows
NOTE: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to comply with U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations.
