FPGA Engineer

About the role

Northwood Space is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. The company builds a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions in national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. Taking a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions around the world. This FPGA Engineer will focus on the digital design of antenna systems, covering data transport and the signal processing chain, and will create, develop, and test FPGA blocks that deliver resilient and reliable communication links for customers.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, implement, and test networking and DSP blocks on FPGAs for high-rate parallel data processing applications.
• Lead complex multi-disciplinary projects from initial design and prototype through shipment and ongoing field operations.
• Drive system architectures, analyze critical design trades, and scope detailed system requirements across engineering teams.
• Analyze performance data collected from in-the-field testing to diagnose root causes and resolve issues.
• Provide detailed feedback from field test results to guide product improvements and design iterations.
• Develop high-speed digital designs for phased array antenna systems using hardware description languages.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineers to integrate FPGA blocks into larger communication system designs.
• Create and maintain comprehensive verification environments to ensure design correctness and functional coverage before deployment.
• Debug and troubleshoot FPGA designs using laboratory measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.
• Document all design decisions, system architectures, and test results to support team knowledge sharing.
• Support the rapid deployment of scalable communication systems that power next-generation satellite missions.
• Work on signal processing chains that enable real-time, reliable communication links for critical customers.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineers on the team.
• Iterate on existing FPGA blocks to improve performance, reliability, and resource utilization on target devices.

Requirements

• 2 to 4 or more years of professional experience in FPGA design and development.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical engineering field from an accredited institution.
• Expert-level proficiency in Verilog and SystemVerilog hardware description languages for digital design work.
• Hands-on experience with Python for scripting, test automation, and design workflow tasks.
• Demonstrated experience with DSP and or networking functions implemented directly on FPGA hardware.
• Familiarity with FPGA system-on-chip architectures and their associated hardware design workflows and tools.
• Practical experience using laboratory measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers for debugging.
• Proven ability to debug high-speed FPGA designs using measurement and analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of digital signal processing theory and its practical application in hardware.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment with clear communication skills.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with High-Level Synthesis tools and methodologies for FPGA design and development workflows.
• Experience programming in C++ or Rust for hardware-adjacent software, firmware, and driver tasks.
• Background in high-performance PCBA architecture and printed circuit board design practices and review.
• Prior work with FPGAs in complex, system-level hardware design and integration projects.
• Knowledge of RF and microwave engineering principles as they relate to antenna system design.

Skills & tools

• Verilog and SystemVerilog hardware description languages for digital FPGA design and implementation.
• Python scripting for design automation, test workflows, and data analysis tasks.
• Digital signal processing and networking concepts implemented on FPGA platforms and architectures.
• FPGA system-on-chip architectures and their associated development flows and toolchains.
• Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other laboratory measurement and test equipment for debugging.
• High-Level Synthesis tools and C++ or Rust programming for hardware-adjacent development.
• Antenna system design principles and RF signal chain concepts for communications hardware.
• Version control systems and design documentation practices for hardware engineering teams.

Practical notes

• This role is based in Torrance, CA with a preference for onsite work at the office.
• Some travel to the office is expected as part of the regular engagement and team collaboration.
• The position is full-time with a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible for ITAR authorization to comply with export regulations.
• Northwood Space offers medical, vision, dental, 401(k), short- and long-term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, and generous paid time off.
• Equitable compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis and may include equity and performance bonuses as part of total rewards.
• The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values merit, competence, and qualifications in all employment decisions.