FPGA Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Lanham (MD); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative engineering firm is seeking a talented Space FPGA Engineer to contribute to groundbreaking space exploration projects. This role involves designing and testing FPGA-based solutions using Xilinx tools, developing embedded Linux systems, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have a solid educational background in Electrical or Computer Engineering, along with practical experience in FPGA development and embedded systems. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will play a vital role in advancing technology for space applications, ensuring that systems meet rigorous performance and reliability standards.

Benefits

401(k) with matching

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Discretionary Bonus Pay

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with 2 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA platforms and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize FPGA solutions for space missions using Xilinx tools.
• Develop embedded Linux solutions with PetaLinux and integrate with FPGA hardware.

Skills

VHDL

Verilog

FPGA Design Tools (Vivado, ISE)

Embedded C/C++

PetaLinux

PCB Schematics Interpretation

Education

Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering

Tools

Vivado

ISE

ModelSim

Job description

Job Description

About the Role:

Genesis Engineering Solutions is seeking a Space FPGA Engineer with a strong background in Xilinx FPGA development, PetaLinux, and embedded systems to join its embedded team. This position involves designing, developing, and testing FPGA-based solutions for space applications, working with NASA Core Flight Software (CFS), and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA platforms, embedded systems development, understanding PCB schematics, and testing prototypes. Experience with NASA CFS is desirable but not required. This role is suitable for candidates with a master’s or bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant experience, contributing to space exploration projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. FPGA Development (Xilinx Focus):

• Design, develop, and optimize FPGA-based solutions for space missions using Xilinx tools (Vivado, ISE, Xilinx SDK).
• Write VHDL/Verilog code for digital logic functions in space systems.
• Perform verification, timing analysis, and simulations to meet mission requirements in space environments.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers for seamless FPGA integration.

Embedded Systems Development:

• Create embedded Linux solutions with PetaLinux, managing kernel configs, bootloaders, and drivers.
• Integrate embedded software with FPGA hardware for space systems.
• Develop firmware for microcontrollers and processors for real-time control and hardware interfacing.

NASA Core Flight Software (CFS) Development:

• Develop custom CFS applications for space applications.

Schematics and Prototype Testing:

• Understand PCB schematics, test evaluation boards, and participate in hardware-in-the-loop testing and validation activities.
• Assist in debugging hardware issues related to FPGA and embedded systems.

Testing and Validation:

• Develop and execute test plans for FPGA, embedded software, and CFS systems in lab and flight-like environments.
• Ensure systems meet reliability, performance, and space qualification standards.
• Perform integration testing within the spacecraft platform.

Collaboration and Documentation:

• Work with cross-functional teams for system integration and project delivery.
• Produce detailed documentation for designs, testing, and software for traceability and maintainability.
• Support and guide teams during integration and testing phases.
• Participate in code and design reviews to ensure quality and consistency.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, plus two years of relevant FPGA and embedded systems experience.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Location:

On-site in Lanham, MD or NASA Goddard Campus in Greenbelt (during I&T). Mostly on-site due to testing and prototyping, with some remote work possible.

Experience:

• Proven FPGA development experience with Xilinx tools, VHDL/Verilog.
• Experience with PetaLinux, embedded systems, and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
• Familiarity with NASA CFS or similar software frameworks is a plus.
• Hands-on prototype testing, debugging FPGA/embedded systems.

Skills:

• Proficiency in VHDL/Verilog, FPGA design tools (Vivado, ISE, ModelSim).
• Embedded C/C++ programming skills.
• Strong understanding of embedded Linux (PetaLinux), bootloaders, kernel, drivers.
• Ability to interpret PCB schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with spaceflight software, CFS, or similar.
• Knowledge of RTOS and space-specific requirements.
• Experience with FPGA high-speed communication, data processing, and hardware interfaces for space.
• Hands-on FPGA and embedded systems experience in space applications.

Application:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and transcripts.

Benefits include:

• 401(k), matching, profit-sharing
• Dental, health, vision insurance
• Employee assistance, flexible spending, life insurance
• Paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement
• Discretionary bonus pay

EEO Statement:

We consider all applicants regardless of protected statuses and comply with applicable employment laws. We do not discriminate based on unlawful criteria.

If qualified and interested, please apply with a cover letter and resume, highlighting how you can contribute to our team.