Sr. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Firmware Engineer

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; East Hagbourne, Stevenage, Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a Sr. DSP Firmware Engineer to join our UK team. You will design and implement DSP algorithms for space telecoms and sensors, create firmware concepts from requirements, and lead HDL code development and testing for space-grade hardware.

Join a multi-disciplinary team delivering advanced space sensors and communication tech, with a hybrid work model and opportunities across space missions in the UK.

Qualifications

• University degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline.
• 5+ years experience in signal processing design and FPGA implementation.
• Strong skills in VHDL and/or Verilog coding.
• Experience with C/C++ for SoC cores and/or vector processors is desirable.
• Ability to lead design teams is desirable.
• Familiarity with 5G/LTE radio stacks is desirable.
• Familiarity with radiation mitigation design techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team developing space telecommunication payloads, instruments and sensors.
• Design, simulate and implement DSP algorithms for telecoms and sensing applications.
• Produce firmware design concepts from ICDs/requirements to blank-sheet functionality.
• Produce formal firmware requirements where necessary.
• HDL coding (VHDL/Verilog), implementation and testing.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software for space missions.
• Maintain and extend existing products.

Skills

FPGA design

VHDL

Verilog

C/C++ for SoC cores

Team leadership

5G/LTE familiarity

Radiation mitigation techniques

Education

University degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or similar

Tools

Xilinx Versal FPGA AI Engines

Job description

Sr. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Firmware Engineer

Posted on October 29, 2026

Locations

Harwell - Didcot Didcot, OXF OX110GD, GBR

• Hybrid
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SRDIG012141

Description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) 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 MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK 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.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We’re on the hunt for aSr. DSP Firmware Engineer.

MDA’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

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 leadership in this next golden age.

Responsibilities

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers developing space telecommunication payloads, instruments, and sensors
• Designing, simulating and implementing digital signal processing algorithms for telecoms and sensing applications
• Producing firmware design concepts based on inputs ranging from formal ICD & requirements to a wish list of desired functionality in a 'blank sheet' system
• Producing formal FW requirements where necessary
• HDL coding (VHDL and / or Verilog), implementation, and testing
• Troubleshooting hardware and software for space missions
• Maintaining and extending existing products

Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes

• University degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or similar)
• 5 years + experience in signal processing design and implementation using FPGA
• Strong skills in VHDL and / or Verilog coding
• Strong skills in simulation and test of FPGA code
• Formal configuration control methods
• C/C++ coding for SoC cores and/or vector processors (e.g. Xilinx Versal FPGA AI Engines) is desirable
• Ability to lead design teams is desirable
• Familiarity with 5G/LTE radio stacks desirable
• Familiarity with radiation mitigation design techniques is desirable

Comments/Special Considerations

• 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. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

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 Ltd. 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