Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications

UOM University of Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 106,273 - 110,319; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health & wellbeing programs

Discounted services

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites a research-oriented engineer to design and test FPGA-based wireless transceivers and embedded systems for collaborative robot communications.

You will bridge digital communication algorithms with RF hardware and real-time embedded control while working with leading researchers in a multidisciplinary team within a top-ranked engineering faculty.

Qualifications

• Hold a Master's degree or PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate experience designing FPGA systems in the AMD ecosystem using VHDL or Verilog for digital communications.
• Apply knowledge of microcontroller platforms such as AVR, SAM, or STM32 to embedded control design.
• Bring understanding of RF systems, signal processing for transceivers, and debugging tools.
• Manage complex hardware-software projects independently and meet timelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and test FPGA-based wireless transceivers and embedded systems for collaborative robot communications.
• Develop microcontroller-based control systems for transceiver operation.
• Perform simulation, verification, and timing analysis; debug HW-SW integration.
• Test RF and digital performance under realistic conditions; document benchmarks.

Skills

FPGA design

VHDL/Verilog

Embedded systems

RF knowledge

Microcontroller platforms (AVR, SAM, i

Project ownership

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or closely related discipline

Tools

Atmel

ST platforms

AVR

SAM

STM32

Job description

Role type: Casual or Part-time; Fixed-term for 6 months

Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology

School: Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering

Salary: Level A5 - A6: $106,273 - $110,319 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super (12% for casual)

Build cutting-edge wireless and robot comms systems / join a multidisciplinary, industry-connected research team / gain rare end-to-end FPGA, embedded and RF experience

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

You will design and test FPGA-based wireless transceivers and embedded systems for collaborative robot communications.

You will gain hands-on experience bridging digital communication algorithms, RF hardware, and real-time embedded control.

You will work with leading researchers in a multidisciplinary team within a top-ranked engineering faculty.

What you will deliver

• Design and implement FPGA-based communication transceivers using AMD tools, including modulation, demodulation, and filtering logic.
• Develop microcontroller-based control and configuration systems for transceiver operation using Atmel or ST platforms.
• Perform simulation, verification, and timing analysis, then debug hardware-software integration for complete transceiver bring-up.
• Test and evaluate RF and digital performance, including throughput, latency, and signal quality under realistic conditions.
• Document architecture, control logic, and experimental benchmarks, and contribute to funding proposals and research publications.

You may be a great fit if you

• Hold a Master's degree or PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate experience designing FPGA systems in the AMD ecosystem using VHDL or Verilog for digital communications.
• Apply knowledge of microcontroller platforms such as AVR, SAM, or STM32 to embedded control design.
• Bring fundamental understanding of RF systems, logic simulation, debugging tools, and signal processing for transceivers.
• Manage complex hardware-software projects independently, meeting strict timelines and taking ownership of technical outcomes.
• Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team

The School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering is a dynamic hub for world-class teaching and research. You will join the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, tackling real communication challenges with industry partners. Our faculty brings together experts in power systems, networks, devices, and systems engineering to create impactful solutions. You will benefit from a collaborative culture that supports innovation, mentorship, and your development as a research engineer.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Application essentials

You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. A Working with Children Check is required for all positions.

If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

Position Description JR-016271 Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications PD.docx JR-016271 Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications PD.pdf

Why choose us

Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities Welcome to the University of Melbourne - where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world-class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy Advancing Melbourne, we’re not just shaping our own future; we’re shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward-thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let’s advance Melbourne - and the world - together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join