Senior FPGA Engineer

Northwoodspace; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space in Torrance, CA seeks a Senior FPGA Engineer to architect the digital backbone of our phased-array ground stations. You will design high-speed DSP blocks, implement networking and signal processing on FPGAs, and ensure rock-solid reliability for real-time satellite communications.

You'll lead cross-functional projects from concept to production, optimize architectures for minimal downtime, and debug field deployments using lab equipment and software tools.

Qualifications

• 5+ years delivering complex digital hardware designs.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong Verilog/SystemVerilog skills for efficient, synthesizable designs.
• Python for automation, simulation, and system integration.
• Hands-on FPGA DSP or networking experience.
• Experience with FPGA SoCs, including processors and peripherals.
• Proficiency with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Onsite in Torrance.

Responsibilities

• Design core space-communication systems—Architect and implement networking and DSP blocks on FPGAs to process high-rate data from phased-array antennas.
• Lead projects from concept to production—Collaborate with cross-functional teams through prototyping, deployment, and operations.
• Develop system architecture—Assess trade-offs, define requirements, optimize reliable, high-speed links.
• Debug and improve deployed systems—Review field test data and update designs for reliability and throughput.

Skills

Digital hardware design

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Python

FPGA-based DSP

FPGA SoCs

Networking concepts

Lab equipment proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

C++

Rust

Job description

About Northwood:

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

Northwood is deploying a global network of phased array ground stations that will revolutionize how satellites communicate with Earth—delivering real-time, ultra-high-throughput connections that power everything from commercial ventures to national security missions. We need a Senior FPGA Engineer to architect the digital backbone of our antenna systems, pushing the boundaries of data transport and signal processing to handle massive parallel streams with rock-solid reliability. If you're excited by designing FPGA solutions for systems that track hundreds of satellites across orbits and process terabytes of space data in real time, this is your chance to lead the charge.

Responsibilities:

• Design core space-communication systems – Architect and implement networking and DSP blocks on FPGAs to process high-rate data from phased-array antennas and support reliable connectivity where traditional systems struggle.

• Lead projects from concept to production – Work with cross-functional teams through prototyping, productization, deployment, and ongoing operations to ensure systems meet performance needs in demanding environments.

• Develop system architecture – Assess trade-offs, define requirements, and optimize architectures for resilient, high-speed communication links that support global customers with minimal downtime.

• Debug and improve deployed systems – Review field test data from global ground stations, identify hardware-software integration issues, and update designs to improve reliability and throughput.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience delivering complex digital hardware designs
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar hardware-focused field
• Strong Verilog/SystemVerilog skills for efficient, synthesizable designs
• Python experience for automation, simulation, and system integration
• Hands-on experience with FPGA-based DSP and/or networking
• Experience with FPGA SoCs, including processors, peripherals, and custom logic
• Proficiency with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers) for debugging high-speed FPGA designs
• Onsite in Torrance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with C++ or Rust - For embedded software that complements your FPGA work in performance-critical applications
• Hands-on with high-performance PCBA architecture and design, including FPGA integration: You've architected boards that push the limits of speed, power, and reliability in demanding environments

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.