FPGA Engineer

Spire Global is currently embarking on projects that range from the design of advanced satellite communication systems to networking satellite constellations.

As part of the development of next-generation proprietary communication system, we are seeking an FPGA Engineer. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience and deep expertise in FPGA programming as well as a communication background. Understanding of communication or information theory or experience with communication systems and space industry will be a plus. The candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They will be able to navigate in a fast-changing dynamic and innovative environment. They should be familiar with communications and software-defined radio techniques.

The role requires the ability to work within a complex architecture and generate highly optimized solutions. A high standard of excellence and effectiveness, with an anticipation of correct deliverables on the first attempt, is expected.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively contribute to the design and development of FPGA-based solutions for our next-generation of satellite communication systems.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across multiple time zones, including FPGA, hardware, RF, antenna, DSP and software engineers to define system requirements and architecture.
• Implement and optimize FPGA algorithms for signal processing and various aspects of the digital communication stack.
• Conduct FPGA synthesis, place and route, and timing closure to meet performance targets.
• Perform FPGA verification and validation using simulation tools and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Troubleshoot and debug FPGA designs, identifying and resolving issues in a high-paced environment.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in FPGA technology and radio communications.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Proficiency in (preferably) VHDL although Verilog will be considered.
• Experience with FPGA synthesis tools (e.g., Xilinx/AMD Vivado, Intel Quartus Prime). and simulation tools (e.g., GHDL, ModelSim, Questa, COCOTB).
• Experience of Xilinx/AMD MPSoC/RFSoC.
• Proficiency in scripting languages and testing tools (Python, TCL).
• Experience in HW design for high-performance multi-channel baseband processing.
• Data-driven and evidence-based work methodology.

Optional skills we would be looking at:

• Understanding of communication theory and signal processing algorithm design (OFDM, spread spectrum, timing recovery, signal estimation and detection, MIMO techniques and beamforming, automatic gain control, pre-compensation, FEC and coding theory, channel estimation).
• Knowledge in existing wireless communication standards such as DVB-S2(X) protocols, CCSDS family of protocols, 3GPP (5G/4G-LTE/WCDMA/UMTS/GSM) or WiFi families, a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/ad/ay), or Bluetooth.
• Experience in HW design for MIMO applications, high-speed ADCs, or multiple FPGAs.
• Competency with RF/wireless test and measurement laboratory equipment.
• RF hardware design experience in frontend design, antenna design, etc.
• Experience of version control tools (e.g., Git).
• Experience in Github Actions (GHA) and CI in general.
• Experience and knowledge of High-Level Synthesis (HLS), emulation systems and virtual platforms.
• Experience with C/C++ and/or Matlab for algorithm development, modelling and simulations.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI1