Advanced Engineer

ST Engineering iDirect; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ST Engineering iDirect is seeking an innovative FPGA Firmware Engineer in Herndon, VA. You will contribute to satellite modem DSP, implement SoC solutions inside FPGAs, and collaborate across hardware/software teams.

You will work in an Agile SCRUM environment, using Vhdl/Verilog/SystemVerilog to deliver high-speed data paths and reliable timing while staying current with DVB-S2x and RF hardware trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of FPGA-centric digital logic design with emphasis on speed.
• Experience with volume-production quality FPGA designs optimizing speed.
• Hands-on lab debugging and automated test systems experience.
• Strong mathematics for fixed-point DSP algorithms.
• Experience with DVB-S2x modems and RF/digital hardware.
• Embedded Linux experience and DSP theory knowledge.
• Experience with IP networking protocols and OpenCL/HLS a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA firmware using Vhdl/Verilog/SystemVerilog for satellite earth station modems with DSP emphasis.
• Design SoCs using embedded ARM processors in FPGAs, DDR memories, JESD-204B, and high-speed interfaces.
• Participate in design/code reviews and FPGA methodology improvements.
• Use lab techniques like Signal Tap and System Console; write scripts to automate tests.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams during integration to ensure correct implementations.
• Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge in wireless modem technologies and FPGA/DSP trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

FPGA firmware design

Verilog/SystemVerilog

DSP algorithms

Embedded Linux

RF and digital hardware

IP networking protocols

OpenCL

HLS

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

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

Tools

Signal Tap

System Console

Lab automation/scripts

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!

This position involves access to hardware, software, technology, technical data, and/or services that may be regulated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), U.S. sanctions laws administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and other applicable export control, sanctions, and national security laws and regulations.

As a condition of employment, and where permitted by applicable law, candidates may be required to provide information necessary for the Company to determine whether any export license, governmental authorization, security clearance, or other regulatory approval is required before access to controlled items, technology, technical data, software, or services can be granted.

In addition to U.S. requirements, access to certain controlled information, technology, technical data, products, or services may be subject to export control, sanctions, national security, or similar regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions where the Company operates or conducts business. Any such requirements will be assessed and applied in accordance with applicable law.

The information that will be requested is limited strictly to what is required to comply with ITAR, EAR, and other applicable export-control, national security and sanctions laws. The Company does not otherwise discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of citizenship, national origin, or immigration status. All applicants are evaluated on their qualifications, and export-control status information is collected and used solely for regulatory compliance purposes.

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-Oriented Programming techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in developing quality and maintainable software.
• Strong documentation and writing skills.