Sr. FPGA Engineer, Direct to Device, Amazon Leo

Job Title

Sr. FPGA Engineer, Direct to Device, Amazon Leo

Role Summary

Join the Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device (D2D) team to design, implement, test, and support FPGA-based subsystems for satellite-to-device communications and phased array antenna systems. The role works closely with systems architects, hardware design teams, firmware/software engineers, and RF engineers to deliver real-time embedded FPGA solutions for manufacturing, on-orbit calibration, and field operations.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of professional experience in FPGA design and related software development, and experience leading design and deployment of complex systems.

Responsibilities

The role owns FPGA deliverables and collaborates across hardware, RF, and software teams. Key responsibilities include:

• Own one or more FPGA bitstreams from design through support.
• Design and implement programmable logic for next-generation antenna and phased-array systems.
• Collaborate with network/system architects to define, implement, test, and release networking functions on FPGA technology.
• Work with RF and digital communications engineers to implement digital logic and validate interactions with RF subsystems.
• Develop bring-up tools, test scripts, and automated validation for FPGA images in hardware.
• Develop calibration software for on-orbit applications and manufacturing software for high-volume phased-array production.
• Characterize subsystem and system performance, and drive trade-off analysis to meet system and customer requirements.
• Design automation for 2D and 3D structures related to antenna systems.

Requirements

Core requirements and preferred technical skills. Must-have items are listed first; nice-to-have items follow.

• 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience.
• 5+ years designing or architecting systems (design patterns, reliability, scaling).
• 5+ years programming in at least one modern language (C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby).
• 5+ years of FPGA design and implementation using SystemVerilog.
• Experience with Xilinx/AMD or Intel (Altera) FPGAs; familiarity with FPGA optimization for timing and power, RTL coding, simulation, and validation.
• Experience with modern ASIC/FPGA design and verification tools and CI/CD build processes.
• Experience with Linux/Unix environments and with writing test scripts (Python preferred) to validate FPGA images in hardware.
• Experience leading design, automation, deployment, and support of large-scale infrastructure.
• Export control requirement: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
• Nice-to-have: experience with phased array antennas or complex RF systems, high-speed SerDes/50G–100G Ethernet or Interlaken, familiarity with AXI4/AXI Streaming interfaces, and proven track record fielding FPGA/ASIC products.

Education Requirements

Preferred: Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent. Equivalent practical experience is acceptable as stated in the posting.

About the Company

Company: KGS

KGS is a government and commercial contracting firm that provides engineering, technical, and staffing solutions, often supporting aerospace, defense, and IT projects for federal and industry customers.