FPGA Digital Design Engineer

Kepler Communications Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 93,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler Communications is seeking an FPGA Digital Design Engineer to design and implement FPGA code for onboard DSP, interfacing with processors and peripherals, and participate in all phases of the FPGA design flow.

You will develop custom IP, improve DSP designs, and collaborate with IP core vendors to advance the spacecraft's communications architecture for the future constellation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years working experience with FPGA/RTL design.
• Proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL; willingness to pivot to SystemVerilog.
• Experience with Xilinx FPGA families (Zynq, UltraScale).
• Solid timing closure understanding and clock domain crossing.
• Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, Tcl, bash).
• Experience with FPGA design tools (Vivado, Quartus) and HDL simulators (ModelSim).

Responsibilities

• Develop custom IP for new features of the spacecraft payloads.
• Iterate on DSP and interface designs to improve reliability.
• Collaborate with IP core vendors to integrate new functionality.
• Contribute to the communications and network architecture of future constellations.
• Participate in conceptual design studies of new spacecraft.

Skills

FPGA/RTL design

HDL languages (Verilog/SystemVerilog/V

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vivado

Quartus

ModelSim

Job description

Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

We’re on the hunt for a top-tier FPGA Digital Design Engineer to develop the next generation of our satellites.

At Kepler, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of engineers building the Kepler spacecraft. You will be responsible for the design and implementation of FPGA code either with a focus on DSP algorithms to modulate and demodulate signals on board our software defined radio (SDR), or embedded systems interfacing with processors and peripherals. To be effective you will need to participate in all phases of FPGA design flow (Simulation, Synthesis, Place & Route, Timing Closure and Hardware Testing). A good understanding of the intricacies of FPGA development would make a candidate standout.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop custom IP for new features of the Kepler satellite digital payloads
• Iterate on current DSP and interface designs to improve reliability
• Work with IP core vendors to integrate new functionality into the Kepler designs
• Work with lead engineers in developing the communications and network architecture of our future satellite constellation
• Participate in conceptual design studies of new spacecraft

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 5+ yr. working experience with FPGA/RTL design
• Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL with the willingness to learn or pivot to SystemVerilog
• Xilinx FPGA(s). Specifically, Zynq and UltraScale
• Solid understanding of timing principles, including clock domain crossing and timing closure
• Strong scripting skills (e.g Python, Tcl, csh/bash, etc.)
• Experience with FPGA tools (e.g Vivado, Quartus), HDL Simulation Tools (ModelSim)

Bonus Points:

• Masters of Science in Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
• Experience in coherent digital demodulation of waveforms such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM
• Experience with memory mapped interfaces such as AXI, Wishbone, Avalon
• Experience with high-speed transceivers for protocols such as JESD204B, PCIe, SATA
• Experience with Linting tools, Questa Sim or Riviera-Pro
• Experience with Xilinx Versal and RFSoC
• Experience designing printed circuit boards
• Knowledge of radio-frequency electronics design

Salary Range: $131,00 - $181,000 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.

Job Type: This is for a current vacancy

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.