Senior Validation Engineer (Systems / DDR Subsystems)

MDA; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space in Farnborough is seeking an experienced engineer to drive DDR validation, FPGA development and system bring-up for high-speed modem platforms.

You will collaborate with RTL, memory controller, PHY and software teams, perform margin/eye analyses, develop automated validation scripts, and ensure production readiness through rigorous stress testing. A strong background in high-speed digital systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 8-15 years total post-graduation experience sought.
• 5–12+ years in DDR validation, FPGA development, or high-speed digital systems.
• Knowledge of DDR3/DDR4 and JEDEC standards.
• Experience with modem or wireless SoCs (4G/5G).

Responsibilities

• Validate DDR3/DDR4 interfaces on modem platforms.
• Develop DDR validation plans covering functionality, timing, electrical, and performance.
• Perform DDR margin analysis: timing, voltage, frequency, temperature.
• Debug memory training failures, calibration issues, and initialization sequences.
• Perform read/write eye analysis and BER measurements.
• Analyze DDR performance bottlenecks using hardware and software tools.
• Develop FPGA-based prototypes and bring up FPGA platforms.
• Support hardware/software co-validation using FPGA platforms.

Skills

DDR validation

FPGA development

System bring-up

Python

C/C++

Debugging skills

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Git

Regression frameworks

BERT

TDR

Job description

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: SENIO012209

• Posted : July 20, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Farnborough, HA GU147LS, GBR

Description

ABOUT MDA SPACE

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 3,800 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.

Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business, is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. With locations in Israel, the UK, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

This role requires a strong understanding of DDR protocols, FPGA development, system bring-up, signal integrity, and post-silicon validation .

Key Responsibilities:

DDR System Validation

• Validate DDR3/DDR4 interfaces on modem platforms
• Develop comprehensive DDR validation plans covering functionality, timing, electrical, and performance requirements
• Perform DDR margin analysis including:
• Timing margins
• Voltage margins
• Frequency margins
• Temperature characterization
• Debug memory training failures, calibration issues, and initialization sequences
• Perform read/write eye analysis and BER measurements
• Analyze DDR performance bottlenecks using hardware and software tools

FPGA Development& Prototyping

• Develop FPGA-based prototypes for modem subsystems
• Bring up FPGA platforms and validate hardware functionality
• Support hardware/software co-validation using FPGA platforms
• Knowledge of Verilog/SystemVerilog FPGA bring-up

System-Level Validation

• Perform board bring-up and system integration
• Validate high-speed interfaces including:
• DDR
• USB
• Root cause hardware/software interaction issues
• Develop automated validation scripts
• Support production readiness through stress and reliability testing

Signal Integrity & Debug

• Perform DDR SI/PI analysis
• Analyze:
• Crosstalk
• Reflection
• Overshoot/undershoot
• Work closely with PCB layout and SI teams to optimize DDR routing

Automation

• Python/C/C++

Automate:

• Regression testing

Cross-functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• RTL Design
• Memory Controller Design
• PHY Design
• Firmware Team
• PCB Design
• Software Team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Ideally, 8-15 years or total post graduation working experience
• 5–12+ years of experience in DDR validation, FPGA development, or high-speed digital systems
• Strong understanding of DDR architecture and JEDEC standards
• Experience with:
• DDR3
• DDR4
• Experience with modem or wireless SoCs (4G/5G)
• Familiarity with memory controller microarchitecture
• Experience with Git, and automated regression frameworks
• Strong analytical and debugging skills
• Ability to troubleshoot complex cross-functional issues
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities
• Self-driven with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment

Validation Equipment

Hands-on experience with:

• BERT
• TDR
• Thermal chambers

High-Speed Interfaces

Experience validating:

• USB
• Ethernet
• MIPI CSI/DSI
• UFS
• UART
• SPI
• I2C

Programming

Proficiency in:

• Python
• C/C++

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 Space 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 Space’s leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits statement:

MDA Space 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; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Space 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.