Senior FPGA Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL); Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days holiday

Pension with life assurance

Private medical

Annual bonus

Share incentive plan

Job summary

SSTL is seeking an experienced engineer to join the On-Board Data Handling team in Guildford, with hybrid working options. You will lead OBDH work packages, translate spacecraft requirements, and deliver verified system solutions for space missions.

The role includes FPGA design in VHDL, working with digital electronics, and interfacing with customers across disciplines. A strong engineering background and problem-solving mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• BTEC/Degree in Electronics or equivalent.
• Good understanding of digital electronics.
• Knowledge of FPGA design in VHDL.
• Knowledge of Lab Test Equipment.
• Recent experience with schematic capture and simulation software (Mentor Graphics, OrCAD PSPICE, etc).
• Self-motivated and able to manage a package of work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interface with customers.
• Good organisation and prioritisation abilities.
• Creative problem solving and adaptability.
• Ability to work on multiple projects under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Act as OBDH Subsystem Lead and Work Package Manager in Space Projects.
• Identify and flow-down spacecraft system requirements to the OBDH system.
• Deliver an OBDH system solution that meets requirements with defined processes.
• Manage and verify requirements.
• Own the OBDH system and related inputs.
• Perform system/subsystem interfacing and trade-offs.
• Support design engineers to manage the technical solution.
• Deliver satellite OBDH work packages including budget and schedule.
• Interface with internal and external customers.
• Author technical documents including FMEA, plans, procedures, and descriptions.
• Update circuit designs with obsolete parts or improvements.
• Design, implement and verify FPGA components in VHDL.
• Provide support to product development as needed.

Skills

OBDH engineering

FPGA design

VHDL

Digital electronics

Communication skills

Education

BTEC / Degree in Electronics

Tools

Mentor Graphics

OrCAD PSPICE

Schematic capture

Lab equipment

MS Office

Job description

This role is an exciting opportunity to join the On-Board Data Handling team. Engineers at SSTL have involvement on a mission right from concept through to launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience, and will give you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale! This key role will often sit within the core team of a satellite mission interacting with other technical leads across multiple disciplines to generate the technical solutions for innovative projects.

Key Tasks

• Act as OBDH Subsystem Lead and Work Package Manager in Space Projects
• Identification and flow-down of spacecraft system requirements to the spacecraft OBDH system
• Delivery of a OBDH system solution that meets these requirements with defined company processes
• Management and verification of these requirements
• Ownership of the OBDH system and all aspects feeding into and of it
• System / subsystem level interfacing and trade-offs
• Manage the technical solution, supporting design engineers
• Management and delivery of satellite OBDH systems work packages including budget and schedule
• Interface with internal and external customers
• Authoring of technical documents (including interface level FMEA, development/test/verification plans, procedures and technical descriptions)
• Minor updates to circuit designs (changing obsolete parts, incremental performance improvements, ECN generations, etc)
• Design, implementation and verification of FPGA’s in VHDL
• Support product development if required
• Typical OBDH System Equipment in a spacecraft defined as follows: On-board Computer, Data Recorder, and Payload Interface Unit

Previous Experience 5 years plus OBDH System Engineering experience in a systems / OBDH electronics role, ideally in the Space or Aerospace industries but not essential.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• BTEC / Degree in Electronics or equivalent
• Good understanding of digital electronics
• Knowledge of FPGA design in VHDL
• Knowledge of Lab Test Equipment
• Recent experience with schematic capture and simulation software (ie/ Mentor Graphics, OrCAD PSPICE, etc.)
• Self-motivated and able to manage a package of work
• Excellent inter-personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives
• Good organisation skills and able to prioritise own workload
• Creative problem solving
• Flexible & adaptable to changing priorities
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good attention to detail
• Good MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint particularly)
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!