Staff FPGA Engineer

Oxford Ionics; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IonQ stock options

Annual performance bonus

Generous annual leave

Flexible hybrid working

Private medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering quantum computing. We are hiring a Staff FPGA Engineer to join our FPGA Team to design and develop RTL modules, support real-time control systems, and drive high-performance signal processing for quantum control hardware.

You will own architecture, verify with SystemVerilog and Python/MATLAB simulations, work with Vivado and ModelSim, and collaborate across hardware and software teams in a hybrid Oxford environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field.
• At least 10 years of hands-on FPGA development experience and RTL design.
• Strong knowledge of FPGA-based signal processing techniques and verification.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and test RTL modules for real-time control systems.
• Architect and develop critical FPGA control functions for quantum hardware.
• Perform logic design with Vivado and verify with SystemVerilog and simulations.
• Write and run firmware for high-speed waveform generation and control loops.

Skills

FPGA design

verification

signal processing

Python MATLAB

SystemVerilog

JTAG

lab equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related technical field

Tools

Vivado

IP Catalog

Block Design

ModelSim

Synopsys

Cadence

GitLab

Job description

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve.

Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to expect:

We are looking for a Staff FPGA Engineer to join our FPGA Team at IonQ. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing FPGA features, contributing to the team’s mission of delivering best in class control systems.

You’ll play an important part in shaping hardware that supports our work in building the world’s most advanced quantum systems.

What you’ll be responsible for:

In this position, you will work on designing, developing and testing RTL modules, supporting the effective delivery of real-time control logic for quantum control systems.

You’ll have the opportunity to own, architect, and develop critical control functions, contributing directly to the success of operating a quantum computer.

• Work independently to design and implement FPGA based signal processing and control functions and develop functional block specifications based on system level requirements
• Perform logic design using Vivado (Verilog or VHDL, IP Catalog, and Block Design as well as perform logic simulation/verification using simulation/verification software
• Simulate signal processing and control algorithms in software
• Implement and test firmware for high speed waveform generation and digital control loops. Write test procedures, perform unit and system level testing and debug, document test results

What you'll need:

To be successful, you will need strong FPGA design and verification experience and experience working on complex systems. You will have experience in development, verification, and debugging of FPGA-based systems, with a strong focus on signal processing and high-performance embedded solutions. We’re looking for someone who can work cross-functionally to gather requirements, architect, design, and contribute effectively within a fast-moving, highly technical team.

To be successful in this position, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field, along with at least 10 years of hands-on FPGA development experience. You should have detailed knowledge of FPGA-based signal processing techniques including DDC/DUC, DDS, and FIR/IIR filters, as well as strong experience in FPGA verification and SystemVerilog development. We’re looking for someone who is fluent in modelling and simulation using Python and/or MATLAB/Simulink, with practical experience in code coverage, functional coverage, and industry-standard verification tools such as Synopsys, Cadence, and ModelSim. Familiarity with Xilinx Ultrascale+ MPSoC devices and common peripheral interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, and USB is also essential.

You will also be confident using JTAG and Integrated Logic Analyzers for system debugging and proficient with complex laboratory equipment such as signal generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Experience with ASIC design and tapeout process
• Experience implementing digital control (PID, feedforward, MIMO) algorithms in FPGA firmware
• Prior experience with high speed interface design and verification including ADC/DAC (DDR and JESD204B), DDR3/4 MIG, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Working knowledge of embedded linux and linux device drivers
• Experience using GitLab for automated firmware build and validation
• Experience working closely with board design and software development teams

So why us?

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.

Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.