FPGA Engineer

Open Cosmos Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos Ltd is seeking a skilled FPGA/flight software engineer to design, implement, and verify FPGA logic for satellite subsystems. You will interface onboard software (Rust/C) with HDL modules, simulate and validate designs, and collaborate with hardware and software teams across a full development lifecycle.

You will contribute to HIL testing, documentation, and optimisation for power and performance while adhering to ECSS standards and cleanroom protocols.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with Rust, C, or Python for software integration.
• Understanding of Agile/V-model lifecycles and FPGA verification processes.
• Awareness of ECSS design standards and cleanroom/ESD protocols.
• Structured, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic for satellite subsystems and onboard computing.
• Develop HDL code (VHDL/Verilog) to interface with onboard software modules written in Rust.
• Simulate, synthesise, and validate FPGA designs using industry-standard tools.
• Work with electronics and software engineers to integrate FPGA modules into system architectures.
• Develop test benches and verification frameworks to ensure timing, functionality, and reliability.
• Participate in full hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and environmental testing.
• Maintain documentation, configuration control, and process traceability throughout the design lifecycle.
• Continuously optimise performance, power, and resource utilisation within constraints.

Skills

VHDL/Verilog

ModelSim

Vivado

Rust

C

Python

Agile/V-model lifecycles

FPGA verification processes

ECSS design standards

Cleanroom/ESD protocols

Structured, detail-oriented mindset

Tools

ModelSim

Vivado

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

Working in the Flight Software Team

Working across the full mission lifecycle, the team designs, implements, and tests software for both onboard and ground systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability across our growing satellite fleet. Collaborating closely with systems, electronics, and mission operations, the team brings together innovation and precision to make every Open Cosmos mission fly.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic for satellite subsystems and onboard computing

• Develop HDL code (VHDL/Verilog) to interface with onboard software modules written in Rust

• Simulate, synthesise, and validate FPGA designs using industry-standard tools

• Work with electronics and software engineers to integrate FPGA modules into system architectures

• Develop test benches and verification frameworks to ensure timing, functionality, and reliability

• Participate in full hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and environmental testing

• Maintain documentation, configuration control, and process traceability throughout the design lifecycle

• Continuously optimise performance, power, and resource utilisation within constraints

What You’ll Bring

• Strong proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and simulation tools (ModelSim, Vivado)

• Familiarity with Rust, C, or Python for software integration

• Understanding of Agile/V-model lifecycles and FPGA verification processes

• Awareness of ECSS design standards and cleanroom/ESD protocols

• A structured, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation

For this role you can be based in UK | Spain (Barcelona or Tenerife) | Portugal | Greece

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe

• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges

• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.