Associate FPGA Engineer

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.

Associate FPGA Engineer

Overview

The Associate FPGA Engineer at Aetherflux will develop and optimize FPGA-based systems for high-performance space applications. The role will involve developing high-speed digital logic, signal processing algorithms, and real-time communication protocols for our space-based power beaming platform. You will work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to integrate FPGA solutions into Aetherflux's advanced satellite and ground station systems.

Responsibilities

• FPGA Development: Design and implement high-performance FPGA architectures for signal processing, power control, and communications.

• RTL Design & Simulation: Develop and verify RTL code using SystemVerilog and Verilog for high-reliability applications.

• High-Speed Interfaces: Implement and optimize high-speed digital interfaces, including DDR memory controllers, SpaceWire, JESD, and PCIe

• Signal Processing & Control: Develop FPGA-based DSP modules for power transmission control and precision beam steering.

• Hardware Integration: Collaborate with electrical and embedded software engineers to integrate FPGA-based designs with microcontrollers, RF components, and high-power electronics.

• Verification & Validation: Develop FPGA test benches, perform hardware-in-the-loop testing, and validate designs using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab equipment.

• Optimization for Space Environments: Ensure FPGA designs are radiation-tolerant and optimized for low-power, high-reliability operation in space environments.

• Firmware & Driver Development: Support development of low-level firmware and device drivers to interface FPGA designs with software-controlled systems.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in FPGA design, including RTL coding, synthesis, and debugging.

• Proficiency in SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL for FPGA development.

• Experience with FPGA development tools such as Vivado, Quartus, or Libero.

• Strong understanding of high-speed digital design, timing analysis, and signal integrity.

• Experience with C/C++, TCL, and/or Python

• Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.

• Experience with simulation tools such as ModelSim, Questa, Cadence Xcelium, Synopsys Verdi, Verilator, or equivalent.

• Experience with hardware debugging and bring-up, including board-level validation of FPGA designs.

• Capable of taking ownership of open-ended design requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in FPGA development, with experience in aerospace, defense, or telecommunications applications.

• Familiarity with RF systems, software-defined radio (SDR), or high-frequency digital design.

• Experience with FPGA + ARM SoC platforms Altera Cyclone, Xilinx Zynq, and/or Microchip PolarFire SoC

• Experience developing FPGA-based DSP algorithms for signal processing applications.

• Knowledge of radiation-hardened FPGA solutions for space applications.

• Deep understanding of FPGA physical and timing constraints.

• Experience with software/hardware co-design and verification methodologies.

• Experience with tool automation and CI/CD workflows.