Lidar FPGA Engineer - Lunar Permanence

Job Title

Lidar FPGA Engineer - Lunar Permanence

Role Summary

Design, implement, and validate digital signal processing (DSP) and FPGA-based solutions for LiDAR/radar sensors used on lunar landers. Work across multidisciplinary teams including GN&C, electrical hardware, and suppliers to take components from concept through flight integration and verification.

Role requires hands-on FPGA development, system-level simulation, algorithm optimization for hardware, and coordination for integration with spacecraft systems.

Experience Level

Mid-level (Mid-Career). Typical background: ~5+ years of DSP experience; 10+ years of industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities focus on algorithm-to-hardware implementation and integration for sensor systems.

• Design and simulate end-to-end systems to meet performance targets such as range and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Design and validate signal-processing algorithms for detection, tracking, calibration, and parameter estimation.
• Support MATLAB/Simulink model development and code generation for signal processing and filtering.
• Analyze algorithm computational complexity and estimate hardware resource needs (FPGA fabric, memory, I/O bandwidth).
• Specify and support selection of hardware components (FPGA, ADC/DAC, DDR3/4, NOR flash, etc.).
• Support hardware bring-up and collaborate with electrical engineers on design verification.
• Implement RTL and develop FPGA prototypes for validation and integration.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and constraints for this role.

• 5+ years of practical DSP experience (algorithm development and implementation).
• Experience developing and implementing DSP algorithms on FPGA and/or embedded processors.
• Experience simulating end-to-end systems to meet link-budget and performance specifications.
• Proficient with MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent modeling tools.
• Experience designing and optimizing DSP algorithms for radar or similar sensors.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces: IEEE 802.3, XAUI, PCIe, JESD204, I2C, SPI.
• Proficient in RTL development using Verilog/SystemVerilog/VHDL (SystemVerilog desired).
• Strong understanding of FPGA design practices: CDC, constraints, static timing analysis, and timing closure.
• Experience with FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado and Intel Quartus.
• Experience with RTL simulation tools such as ModelSim/QuestaSim and writing testbenches using UVM/OVM, SystemVerilog assertions, and coverage techniques.
• Ability to coordinate across engineering teams and with suppliers for hardware selection and integration.
• Work authorization: U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, or lawful admission as a refugee or asylee is required per export-control rules.

Nice-to-have / preferred skills:

• Experience with FMCW or CW Radar / LiDAR signal processing.
• Scripting experience (Python, Perl, Tcl) for tooling and automation.
• Familiarity with on-chip bus protocols such as AMBA (AXI, AHB, APB).
• Experience with optoelectronic sensors and space/radiation-hardened application requirements.
• 10+ years of industry experience is preferred.

Education Requirements

Required: B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field with 5+ years of DSP experience. Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Signal Processing, or a related field. (The posting does not state explicit language about acceptance of equivalent practical experience in lieu of a degree.)

About the Company

Company: Blue Origin

Headquarters: Kent, Washington, United States

Blue Origin is an American aerospace company developing technologies for spaceflight, including reusable launch vehicles, orbital and suborbital systems, and space infrastructure for commercial and government customers.