FPGA Engineer
Xona Space SystemsJob Title
FPGA Engineer
Role Summary
Design and implement high-performance, resource-optimized FPGA signal-processing solutions for a next-generation LEO PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) satellite system. Work within a cross-disciplinary engineering team (systems, RF, software) to deliver flight-ready RTL and hardware validation.
Compensation range: $100,000 - $140,000 (annual).
Experience Level
Mid-level — typically requires 3+ years of FPGA development or equivalent practical experience.
Responsibilities
Primary engineering activities and deliverables for FPGA-based receiver and signal-processing subsystems.
- Author RTL for acquisition, tracking, data decoding, synchronization, and measurement processing using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
- Convert floating-point algorithms into fixed-point micro-architectures; perform quantization analysis and optimize for bit-accurate results.
- Optimize FPGA implementations for timing closure, latency, power, and resource utilization (DSP slices, BRAM, LUTs).
- Develop testbenches and simulation toolchains (ModelSim or equivalent) and validate RTL against Python/C++ reference models.
- Support hardware bring-up, lab debugging, SW integration, HIL testing, and performance validation.
- Produce clear documentation of RTL architecture, design trade-offs, verification results, and performance metrics.
- Collaborate with systems, RF, software, and navigation teams to integrate and qualify flight-ready FPGA solutions.
Requirements
Minimum technical qualifications and skills required to perform the role.
Must-have:
- 3+ years of FPGA development experience.
- Strong understanding of DSP fundamentals (filters, synchronization, FFT, NCOs, correlators).
- Proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog and FPGA toolchains (Xilinx/AMD).
- Experience with fixed-point modeling and bit-accurate verification.
- Comfortable with simulation and scripting (Python, TCL, bash or similar).
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with satellite communications, GNSS, or PNT systems.
- High-speed digital logic design experience and timing-closure expertise.
- Experience with lab validation, test automation, and hardware-debugging tools.
- Experience with ARM-based MPSoC systems (Cortex-A/R), Embedded Linux (PetaLinux/Yocto), and device drivers for Zynq UltraScale+ environments.
Location/security constraints: For U.S. roles, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals as defined by applicable U.S. law. Equivalent nationality/clearance requirements apply for U.K. and Canada roles as described by local regulations.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; or equivalent practical experience.
About the Company
Company: Xona Space Systems
Headquarters: Burlingame, CA, United States
Navigation intelligence company developing Pulsar, a Low Earth Orbit PNT satellite infrastructure that delivers real-time, centimeter-level positioning. Builds GNSS-compatible, power-efficient, and secure positioning services for devices worldwide, targeting commercial and defense navigation applications.
