Advanced Engineer

Socket.dev; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ST Engineering iDirect is seeking an FPGA Firmware Engineer in Herndon, VA to drive firmware development for satellite earth station modems. You will work on continuous and burst mode implementations, focusing on DSP and high-performance data paths.

The role requires FPGA-centric design experience, embedded Linux exposure, and collaboration across hardware and software teams to deliver robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA firmware using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog for satellite modems with DSP-oriented data paths.
• Design and implement SoC solutions using embedded ARM processors and FPGA fabrics.
• Participate in code reviews and FPGA design methodologies.
• Use lab techniques to integrate modules and troubleshoot problems.

Skills

FPGA design

DSP algorithms

Fixed-point DSP

RF hardware

Embedded Linux

IP networking protocols

OpenCL

HLS

architectural thinking

communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

VHDL

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Altera Arria10

Stratix SX FPGA

DDR memories

Job description

Overview

At ST Engineering iDirect, we’re reshaping the future of global connectivity. As a leader in satellite communications, our groundbreaking technology empowers customers to grow, innovate, and transform their networks. Here, your skills and passion meet our vision and expertise to create something extraordinary. If you're ready to tackle technology’s biggest challenges and redefine how the world connects, the most exciting chapter of your career awaits. With ST Engineering iDirect, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!

We are seeking an innovative, creative FPGA Firmware Engineer who is ready for the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards that come with working in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. An FPGA Firmware Engineer at ST Engineering iDirect works within the engineering department in a SCRUM team using an Agile framework. The candidate will be responsible for participating in the specification, design, development, testing, and support features for a satellite communications system from concept through completion. He/she will be a highly motivated self-starter with strong written and oral communication skills and work well in a team environment. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with the smartest team, and the very latest technology, then this is the job for you!

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA firmware using Vhdl/ Verilog/System Verilog for continuous and burst mode satellite earth station modems with a strong emphasis on DSP and communications algorithm implementation, efficient data path architecture, reliable timing closures, and high-performance implementations.

• Design and implement system-on-chip solutions that use embedded ARM processors such as Altera Arria10 and Stratix SX FPGAs, DDR memories, fast serial interfaces such as JESD-204B, 1G/10G/40G Ethernet interfaces, and more.

• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and contribute towards FPGA Design methodologies.

• Use efficient lab techniques (e.g. Signal Tap, System Console, scripting, and automation) to integrate modules and troubleshoot problems.

• Work in close collaboration with hardware and software engineers throughout the integration process to ensure that FPGA designs are correctly implemented.

• Actively maintain expertise and an awareness of the state of the art in wireless modem implementation technologies such as FPGAs, DSP processors, and ARM processors embedded within FPGAs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, a related subject area, or equivalent experience

• 3+years of experience in FPGA-centric digital logic design with most of the following attributes.

• Experience with volume-production quality FPGA designs where optimization for speed is of critical importance.

• Experience with hands-on lab debugging and building automated test systems.

• Strong mathematical analysis and modeling skills in fixed-point DSP algorithms.

• Experience with modems such as DVB-S2x, understanding all specific modem parameters.

• Experience with RF and digital hardware.

• Experience with embedded Linux platforms.

• Experience with digital communications theory and DSP algorithms.Experience with Wireless communications is preferred.

• Experience with IP networking protocols.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience with OpenCL and HLS is an asset.

• Can explain a defined architecture and work on an abstract and conceptual level.

Professional Qualities

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

• Must be a self-motivated individual with technical leadership potential and proven success in a structured development environment.

• Possess the ability to proactively drive technical solutions in a collaborative environment.

• Good software design skills using proven and best practice design methodologies & related principles; Strong command of Object-Oriented Design and Object-OrientedProgramming techniques.

• Demonstrated experience in developing quality and maintainable software.

• Strong documentation and writing skills.