FPGA Designer

MDA Space; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a skilled FPGA Designer to deliver medium to complex modules or small FPGAs for space applications including robotics, radar imagery, and signal processing.

You will convert requirements into design descriptions, write VHDL, and synthesize designs while collaborating with verification, hardware, and embedded software teams in a security‑clearance environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (EE) or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience in FPGA or ASIC design.
• Experience in writing VHDL code.
• Knowledge of Synplify, Modelsim/Questa, Vivado and Libero.
• Knowledge of the Unix/Linux environment and scripting languages (Python, CShell, Tcl).
• Exposure to automated test bench verification techniques.
• Comfortable and efficient in a laboratory environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and French (contact with customers outside Québec, work on English-language deliverables).
• Knowledge of Jira and Confluence.
• Knowledge of the effects of space radiation on electronic components is a plus.
• Knowledge of SystemVerilog is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Convert requirements for modules or small FPGAs into a design description document.
• Support the definition of interfaces.
• Write the VHDL code of the module or FPGA.
• Synthesize and proceed with the placement & routing of the design.
• Support the functional verification carried out by the verification team.
• Provide laboratory support to board developers, test software developers and, where applicable, embedded software developers.
• Report progress and potential issues to their Lead FPGA Designer.

Skills

FPGA design

ASIC design

VHDL coding

English/French communication

Lab work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Synplify

Modelsim/Questa

Vivado

Libero

Jira

Confluence

Unix/Linux

Python

CShell

Tcl

SystemVerilog

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 5,500 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

Role

The FPGA Designer will report to a Senior/Lead Designer and will be responsible for the documentation and design of medium to complex modules or small FPGAs for various space applications such as robotics, radar imagery, command & control, telecommunications and digital signal processing.

Responsibilities

• Convert requirements for modules or small FPGAs into a design description document.
• Support the definition of interfaces.
• Write the VHDL code of the module or FPGA.
• Synthesize and proceed with the placement & routing of the design.
• Support the functional verification carried out by the verification team.
• Provide laboratory support to board developers, test software developers and, where applicable, embedded software developers.
• Report progress and potential issues to their Lead FPGA Designer.

Minimal Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (EE) or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience in FPGA or ASIC design.
• Experience in writing VDHL code.
• Knowledge of Synplify, Modelsim/Questa, Vivado and Libero.
• Knowledge of the Unix/Linux environment and scripting languages (Python, CShell, Tcl).
• Exposure to automated test bench verification techniques.
• Comfortable and efficient in a laboratory environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and French.(Contact with customers outside Québec, work on English-language deliverables).
• Knowledge of Jira and Confluence.
• Knowledge of the effects of space radiation on electronic components is a plus.
• Knowledge of SystemVerilog is a plus.

Special Considerations

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

MDA is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.