FPGA Design Engineer in Space Products - 100 % (m/w/d)

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We say HI* ̶  Welcome to the Thales team!

*Human Intelligence

Thales in Switzerland is part of a world-leading technology group in the area of Defense & Security, Training & Simulation, Space and Digital Identity & Security. In a world full of uncertainties, we ensure that our customers, partners and employees can break new ground with confidence and in security. For a future we can all trust.

Say HI* to your career as a

FPGA Design Engineer in space products - 100% (m/f/d)

in Zürich #LI-HYBRID (Ref. Nr. R0304090)

In Zurich awaits you a center of excellence for optical, quantum-based communications and opto-electronic observation and communication systems used in satellite and space technology. This is the place for you if you don't just dream of space travel, but want to work on the development, operation and deployment of satellite-based systems that help position and connect everything and everyone everywhere, observe our planet and optimize the use of Earth's resources - and of our solar system. Join the team of experts at Thales Alenia Space, a key partner for governments, institutions and businesses. We look forward to meeting you!

​Your Mission

• As an FPGA Development Engineer at Thales Alenia Space, you will be at the forefront of advancing next-generation optical communication solutions and state-of-the-art opto-electronic instruments for geostationary satellite and telecommunication applications.

• You will be responsible for the specification, design, and comprehensive validation of digital electronics (FPGA, VHDL), applying your expertise through rigorous review, analysis, and testing in both spaceborne and terrestrial environments.

• Your work will be instrumental in enabling high-performance, reliable optical communication links and systems, meeting the rigorous standards of the space industry.

• You will support electrical subsystem engineering throughout the entire product lifecycle, from conception to deployment and in-orbit operation, ensuring strict adherence to industrial and space sector standards (e.g., ECSS), with particular attention to the exacting requirements of digital electronics within complex opto-electronic instruments.

• As a key contributor, you will drive process development and continuous improvement initiatives, emphasizing innovation and resilience in the face of the unique technical challenges posed by the space environment.

We look forward to that

• A university degree in space engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, or a closely related field, ideally complemented by specialization in optical communications or opto-electronics.

• At least 5 years of professional experience in digital design and analysis engineering for space components and instruments, including substantial practice with ESA-ECSS standards and their application to real-world space missions.

• Demonstrated theoretical and hands-on expertise in the development of advanced digital electronics for optical communication systems, including knowledge of coding, modulation, noise analysis, communication protocols, and related algorithms tailored for high-throughput satellite links.

• In-depth experience with design, verification, and analysis tools such as Mentor Graphics ModelSim, Microsemi Libero IDE, Python, TCL/TK, and MATLAB, as well as a strong interest in multidisciplinary development, particularly for complex opto-electronic and telecommunication systems in space.

• Proven proficiency in version control and configuration management tools (Git, SAP), ensuring high-quality engineering practices.

• Strong interest, curiosity, and skills in the interdisciplinary development of complex systems, maintaining awareness of the rapid evolution in optical and telecommunications technologies for space.

• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to take leadership roles when needed, contributing meaningfully to cross-functional projects and knowledge sharing.

• Fluency in English. A good command of German, especially spoken, is highly advantageous.

What awaits you at our location in Zurich

Collective Labour Agreement MEM-Industry Swissmem I Flexible and mobile working | Various part-time models to promote work-life balance | Share participation programme ‘Sharing Thales’ | Allowances for special events | International development opportunities within the Thales Group | Extensive further training opportunities in the Thales Learning Hub| Regular development meetings I Benefits platform with employee discounts | Free parking facilities or discount on public transport season tickets I Paid premiums for accident and daily sickness benefit insurance I Free hot and cold drinks I Monthly catering allowance of CHF 120 I Avadis Capital accumulation foundation I We are “you” We work together as partners and are on first-name terms at all levels

For our 85,000 employees in 68 countries, we open up forward-looking perspectives, realize individual career paths and enable creative freedom.

Say HI* – Your way to us

When the writing is on the wall, our international teams are there to tackle today's complexity with tomorrow's industry-leading technologies. Are you in? Your contact Frederic Martin is looking forward to receiving your online application via our career portal.

Frederic Martin

Talent Acquisition Partner #LI-FM1

*Human Intelligence

Notice for recruitment agencies:

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that the CVs submitted by recruitment agencies are not processed. We will take into consideration only the CVs submitted by the candidates.

We appreciate your understanding to Thales recruitment processes.

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!