Validation Engineer

SIDRAM TECHNOLOGIES; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company specializing in engineering solutions seeks an FPGA Design & Validation Engineer to develop high-reliability systems for the oil and gas industry. The ideal candidate will have strong VHDL skills and experience in low power and high temperature environments. Key responsibilities include implementing VHDL code, leading hardware-in-the-loop testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should possess a B.E./M.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in FPGA development, preferably in industrial automation, subsea electronics, or downhole tools.
• Strong analytical mindset for debugging in complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement synthesizable VHDL code optimized for low power consumption.
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop testing in the lab to simulate harsh conditions.
• Develop and test communication bridges like Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
• Design robust memory interfaces and error correction for data logging.
• Maintain documentation of testing protocols and validation results.

Skills

VHDL

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Digital probing

Power analysis

ADC/DAC interfacing

Education

B.E./M.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Intel Quartus

Job description

FPGA Design & Validation Engineer (Oil & Gas Systems)

Location: Houston, TX, USA

Employment Type: Long term

As an FPGA Engineer in our Oil & Gas division, you will develop high-reliability digital systems for demanding environments, such as downhole drilling tools, subsea instrumentation, or refinery monitoring systems. You will leverage VHDL to implement complex data acquisition and signal processing algorithms that must operate under strict power and thermal constraints. A significant portion of this role involves hands‑on lab validation to ensure system integrity before deployment in remote or hazardous field locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ruggedized Design: Implement synthesizable VHDL code optimized for low power consumption and high-temperature stability (e.g., surviving 150°C+ for downhole applications).
• High-Reliability Validation: Lead hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing in the lab to simulate harsh field conditions. Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers (ILA/SignalTap), and thermal chambers to verify timing and functional reliability.
• Protocol Management: Develop and test custom and industry‑standard communication bridges (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP, CAN, or proprietary mud‑pulse telemetry).
• Data Integrity: Design robust memory interfaces (DDR3/4) and error correction (ECC) for large‑scale data logging during seismic or pipe inspection missions.
• Certification Support: Maintain detailed documentation of testing protocols and validation results to support safety and industry compliance standards.
• Perform functional and timing verification using respective simulators.
• Conduct post‑synthesis and post‑layout verification.

Work Experience

Required Technical Skills

• Language & Logic: Expert proficiency in VHDL; experience with high-reliability design techniques like triple modular redundancy (TMR) is a plus.
• Tools: Expert-level use of Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, Lattice FPGA or Microchip Libero.
• Lab Expertise: Mastery of high-speed digital probing, power analysis (using tools like XPE), and debugging hardware‑software interfaces.
• Industry Interfaces: Experience with ADC/DAC interfacing (using JESD204B or LVDS) for high-precision instrumentation.
• Environment: Understanding of design constraints for battery-operated or power-limited remote systems.

Qualifications

• Education: B.E./M.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
• Experience: 3+ years in FPGA development, preferably with exposure to industrial automation, subsea electronics, or downhole tools.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical mindset for "root cause" debugging in complex, multi-disciplinary systems.

Contact: Rachael
IT Services | Development | Staffing
Email: [e-mail]
Direct: 470-523-9688

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