FPGA Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

The FPGA Engineer will convert communication protocols and signal-processing algorithms into high-throughput FPGA implementations for satellite and ground systems. The role works within the software/FPGA team and closely with RF software engineers to deliver fabric-accelerated libraries and modem components.

Deliverables include production-grade FPGA blocks, integrations with SoC platforms, and test harnesses suitable for CI/CD and mission operations.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical candidate has 2+ years of professional FPGA development experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include design, implementation, verification, and integration of FPGA-based communications functionality.

• Design and implement all layers of satellite communication modems, from DSP blocks to network/protocol layers.
• Translate algorithms and protocols into high-throughput FPGA logic targeting Xilinx devices and SoC platforms.
• Analyze timing, resource, and performance trade-offs for current and next-generation RF products.
• Create end-to-end test harnesses and integrate FPGA tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with RF software engineers to produce high-performance libraries bridging FPGA fabric and system software.
• Develop and maintain simulation testbenches and block-level stimulation for verification.

Requirements

Key qualifications and skills. Must-have items are listed first; preferred skills follow.

• Must-have: 2+ years of professional FPGA development experience.
• Must-have: Experience using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL.
• Must-have: Experience developing for Xilinx FPGA/SoC products.
• Must-have: Experience developing simulation test benches and FPGA block stimulation.
• Must-have: Authorization requirement: position requires U.S. Persons or persons eligible for an export license under U.S. export regulations (ITAR/EAR).
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Xilinx Vivado and PetaLinux tooling.
• Nice-to-have: Demonstrated DSP fundamentals (filters, PLLs) and exposure to satellite comms concepts (encoders, PSK, symbol synchronization).
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with satellite communication standards (DVB-S2X, CCSDS).
• Nice-to-have: Experience developing embedded software in C or C++.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or another engineering discipline was requested in the posting.

About the Company

Company: Impulse Space

Headquarters: Redondo Beach, CA, USA

Impulse Space is a U.S. space systems company that designs and manufactures spacecraft, propulsion systems, and satellite solutions to enable on-orbit services, rapid access to space, and high-throughput satellite communications.