FPGA Engineer - Tactical Photonic Datalinks

Job Title

FPGA Engineer - Tactical Photonic Datalinks

Role Summary

Own the embedded system for Flux's laser datalink end-to-end: architecture, component selection, board prototypes, firmware, validation, and field deployment on small unmanned platforms.

Hands-on engineering role spanning hardware and firmware with an emphasis on building reliable, testable systems that operate in real-world tactical environments.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Open to exceptional junior candidates. No explicit years-of-experience requirement provided.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Define and implement embedded system architecture for laser datalinks from requirements through field deployment.
• Prototype and validate board-level hardware; select components and iterate designs.
• Develop high-speed signal processing algorithms for PHY and link-layer functions.
• Design and ship production-grade firmware for link control and management: state machines, configuration, fault handling, telemetry, and deployment.
• Perform field testing and validation on small unmanned platforms; debug and refine systems under real-world conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teammates to document designs, share knowledge, and escalate/resolver issues.

Requirements

Must-have and preferred qualifications summarized:

• Must-have: Demonstrated experience shipping production-grade embedded firmware or FPGA designs implemented in C, Assembly, VHDL, or Verilog.
• Must-have: Experience owning a software or embedded system architecture from conception through deployment.
• Must-have: Practical prototyping skills for hardware systems and the ability to iterate quickly from failures to working designs.
• Must-have: Clear written and verbal communication; effective collaborator and team player.
• Must-have: Willingness to work on-site in Pacifica, CA and participate in field testing.
• Preferred: Implementation experience with high-speed DSP, communications algorithms, or real-time signal processing systems.
• Preferred: Experience testing hardware on unmanned platforms or in tactical/defense environments.
• Preferred: Familiarity with photonics or optical communications (helpful but not required).

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. The role is open to exceptional junior candidates.

About the Company

Company: Flux Photonics

Headquarters: Pacifica, CA, United States

Develops wireless laser datalinks and integrated photonic circuits to provide resilient tactical communications for defense and allied forces. Designs photonic hardware, embedded systems, and FPGA/firmware solutions for rugged, field-deployable networking on unmanned platforms.