Senior FPGA Engineer for Satellite Communications

GCS Recruitment; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks an experienced FPGA Engineer to design and deliver FPGA-based solutions for next-generation satellite communication systems. You will work with cross-functional teams to define, implement, validate, and release FPGA bitstreams and prototypes, driving performance, power, and reliability improvements.

The role emphasizes hands-on RTL development, timing closure, and lab validation, with collaboration across hardware, firmware, and software domains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on FPGA design experience.
• Strong expertise with Verilog HDL for RTL design and verification.

Responsibilities

• Own the development and delivery of one or more FPGA bitstreams.
• Design, develop, and implement complex FPGA architectures using Verilog HDL.
• Lead FPGA development across the full lifecycle, including: microarchitecture, RTL design, physical implementation, timing closure, simulation & verification, lab validation, production release.
• Develop FPGA-based networking and digital communication functions.
• Collaborate with system architects, hardware engineers, firmware, and software teams to implement and validate FPGA solutions.
• Build FPGA prototypes to evaluate architecture and design tradeoffs.
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debugging involving FPGA, RF, firmware, and networking components.
• Perform synthesis, place & route, timing analysis, and design optimization.
• Develop comprehensive testbenches and simulation environments.
• Debug FPGA designs in both simulation and hardware environments.
• Drive design tradeoff analysis focused on performance, power, cost, area, and customer experience.
• Create technical documentation including design specifications, verification plans, and test documentation.
• Support manufacturing, production deployment, and post-release engineering activities.

Skills

Verilog HDL

SystemVerilog

RTL Design

Timing Closure

CDC Analysis

Hardware Bring-up

Python

TCL

Perl

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Vivado

Libero SoC

ModelSim

Vivado Simulator

VCS

Job description

Job Title: FPGA Engineer

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced FPGA Engineer to design and develop advanced FPGA solutions for a next-generation satellite communication system. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge networking technology with minimal legacy constraints. You will work closely with system architects and cross-functional engineering teams to define, implement, validate, and release FPGA-based solutions supporting high-performance communication systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Own the development and delivery of one or more FPGA bitstreams.

Design, develop, and implement complex FPGA architectures using Verilog HDL.

Lead FPGA development across the complete lifecycle, including:

Microarchitecture

RTL Design

Physical Implementation

Timing Closure

Simulation & Verification

Lab Validation

Production Release

Develop FPGA-based networking and digital communication functions.

Collaborate with system architects, hardware engineers, firmware, and software teams to implement and validate FPGA solutions.

Build FPGA prototypes to evaluate architecture and design tradeoffs.

Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debugging involving FPGA, RF, firmware, and networking components.

Perform synthesis, place & route, timing analysis, and design optimization.

Develop comprehensive testbenches and simulation environments.

Debug FPGA designs in both simulation and hardware environments.

Drive design tradeoff analysis focused on performance, power, cost, area, and customer experience.

Create technical documentation including design specifications, verification plans, and test documentation.

Support manufacturing, production deployment, and post-release engineering activities.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

7+ years of hands-on FPGA design experience.

Strong expertise with Verilog HDL for RTL design and verification.

Experience designing with AMD Xilinx Versal ACAP FPGA architecture.

Experience working with Microchip IGLOO2 FPGA platforms.

Proficiency with FPGA development tools such as:

Xilinx Vivado

Microchip Libero SoC

Strong understanding of:

Digital logic design

Timing analysis and timing closure

Clock Domain Crossing (CDC)

Experience with simulation tools such as:

ModelSim

Vivado Simulator

VCS (or equivalent)

Experience using scripting languages such as Python, TCL, or Perl for design automation.

Strong debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Understanding of industry-standard communication protocols.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with SystemVerilog and UVM verification methodologies.

Experience with high-speed interfaces including:

PCIe

DDR

Ethernet

SerDes

Familiarity with embedded systems and hardware/software integration.

Experience using version control systems such as Git or SVN.

Background in digital communications, networking, or signal processing.

Experience working with DO-254 or other safety-critical design standards.

Required Technical Skills:

HDL Languages: Verilog (required), SystemVerilog (preferred)

FPGA Platforms: AMD Xilinx Versal ACAP, Microchip IGLOO2

Design Tools: Vivado, Libero SoC

Simulation: ModelSim, Vivado Simulator, VCS (or equivalent)

Scripting: Python, TCL, Perl

Version Control: Git, SVN

Protocols: Industry-standard communication protocols

Design Expertise: RTL Design, FPGA Verification, Timing Closure, CDC Analysis, Physical Implementation, Hardware Bring-up

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.