Space FPGA Architect for High-Reliability Systems

Jobtailor; Harwell; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior FPGA architect to own architecture across spacecraft platforms. You will translate system needs into FPGA design strategies, design high-speed, high-reliability digital systems, and guide verification and validation.

You will shape standards, reusable IP, and collaborate with electronics and software teams, mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement across programmes.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of FPGA architecture and digital design using HDL (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog).
• Strong understanding of FPGA toolchains and ecosystems (Vivado, Quartus, Libero, Lattice).
• Knowledge of high-speed interfaces, data pipelines, and real-time processing systems.
• Understanding of FPGA and software integration, including embedded systems environments.
• Knowledge of verification, simulation, timing analysis, and design optimisation techniques.
• Understanding of fault-tolerant and resilient design approaches, including redundancy and error detection.
• Strong systems thinking, balancing performance, power, and reliability.
• Clear and structured approach to documentation, traceability, and design governance.
• Ability to make sound technical decisions and communicate them effectively.
• Collaborative mindset across multidisciplinary teams.
• Legal right to work in the chosen location.
• Application and CV submitted in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and own FPGA architecture across spacecraft platforms and missions.
• Translate system and mission needs into FPGA design strategies.
• Design high-speed, high-reliability digital systems for payload and platform applications.
• Drive architectural decisions across performance, power, and reliability trade-offs.
• Establish design standards, reusable IP, and scalable frameworks across programmes.
• Lead the FPGA lifecycle from concept through simulation, verification, and hardware validation.
• Shape verification approaches including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and fault injection.
• Support bring-up and optimisation of high-speed interfaces and complex data pipelines.
• Embed fault tolerance and resilience into system design.
• Act as the technical authority for FPGA, guiding decisions and resolving complex challenges.
• Work with electronics and software teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Engage with suppliers and partners on FPGA technologies and tooling.
• Contribute to design reviews, test campaigns, and anomaly investigations.
• Drive continuous improvement in FPGA design, build, and validation.
• Support and mentor engineers.
• Maintain architectural documentation, standards, and traceability.

Skills

FPGA architecture

HDL (VHDL Verilog SystemVerilog)

FPGA toolchains (Vivado Quartus Libero

High-Speed Interfaces

Embedded Systems

Verification

Timing Analysis

Redundancy/Fault Tolerance

Design Governance

Documentation

Tools

Vivado

Quartus

Libero

Lattice

Job description

Jobtailor is seeking a senior FPGA architect to own architecture across spacecraft platforms. You will translate system needs into FPGA design strategies, design high-speed, high-reliability digital systems, and guide verification and validation.

You will shape standards, reusable IP, and collaborate with electronics and software teams, mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement across programmes.