Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer

National Radio Astronomy Observatory; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent paid time off

Medical, dental and vision plans

Retirement benefit 10% of base pay

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Charlottesville, VA seeks an experienced Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer to join the Central Development Laboratory. The role focuses on digital correlator development for next‑generation telescopes, advancing radio astronomy instrumentation and international collaborations.

Responsibilities include embedded Linux software design and verification using AMD Xilinx Vitis, Python, and BSPs; collaborating with a cross‑functional team; and solving

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.
• Minimum 5 years of embedded software programming in processor-based FPGA devices.
• Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC PS architecture.
• Experience with Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto) and application code.

Responsibilities

• Perform embedded Linux software design, implementation, simulation, and verification.
• Research and solve complex technical issues with minimal supervision.
• Develop embedded application code using the AMD/Xilinx Vitis tool flow and Python.
• Work well in a team environment.

Skills

Zynq MPSoC/ RFSoC

Embedded Linux

Vitis Tool Flow

PetaLinux/ Yocto

Board Support Package

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science

Tools

PetaLinux

Yocto

Vitis BSP

BSP

Job description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title: Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer

Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America

Requisition Number: 216

Job Family: Electronics Engineer

Pay Type: Salary

Required Education: ENG

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the‑art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community

The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at NRAO is recruiting an experienced Embedded Software FPGA design engineer to work on its digital design team in Charlottesville, VA. The CDL is the largest laboratory in the US dedicated to radio astronomy instrumentation and this position will play a critical role in the development of digital correlators for future telescopes that will help reveal the hidden universe such as gravitational waves, the origins of galaxies, stars, and planet formation, and black holes.

What You Will be Doing:

• Performing embedded Linux software design, implementation, simulation, and verification.
• Performing research and solving complex technical issues, and work with minimal supervision.
• Exhibiting excellent time management skills and an ability to multi-task.
• Performing embedded application code development using the AMD/Xilinx Vitis tool flow and Python.
• Working well in a team environment.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research and development environment. The selectee will report to the Digital Design Team manager. CDL's digital design team works cooperatively with other design groups in CDL and across NRAO and other international observatories. The selectee may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years' embedded software programming experience within processor‑based FPGA devices. Candidates with progressively more responsible experience will be considered for a higher‑level position ranking.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC/RFSoC Embedded SW Design Experience
• Experience with Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto) and Application Code Experience
• Experience with AMD Vitis Tool Flow and Board Support Package (BSP) Experience
• Proficient in Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto)
• Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Processing System (PS) architecture

Preferred Skills and Competencies

Bare metal processing system development is a plus.

Additional Requirements

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Occasional travel may be required.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is between $114,000-$138,000. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [e-mail]. PM20

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