Senior Engineer- FPGA

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Engineer- FPGA to support test and development across radar and communications systems for the AST SpaceMobile Defense Team. The role focuses on maintaining, testing, and implementing high‑performance digital signal processing (DSP), high‑speed data paths, timing‑critical logic, and advanced waveform processing on modern FPGA platforms. You will collaborate closely with systems, RF/microwave, hardware, and software engineering teams to deliver next‑generation radar and communications capabilities that directly support the mission.

In this role, you will directly influence the performance and resilience of next‑generation radar and communications systems supporting the warfighter. Your FPGA expertise will enable advanced sensing, secure data links, and high‑confidence situational awareness essential to national defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement FPGA logic for radar signal processing, including beamforming, pulse compression, MTI/MTD, and high‑rate data acquisition pipelines.

• Develop firmware modules for software‑defined radio (SDR) and digital communications (e.g., modulation/demodulation, filtering, channelization, timing recovery, and error correction).

• Implement and integrate high‑speed interfaces (SERDES, JESD204B/C, LVDS, 10/40/100G Ethernet) and custom communication links.

• Create HDL testbenches and perform simulation using tools such as QuestaSim/ModelSim and Vivado.

• Execute timing closure, static timing analysis, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop verification.

• Integrate FPGA logic with mixed‑signal front ends, ADC/DAC interfaces, embedded processors, and high‑speed digital boards.

• Support lab testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, and radar/communications test equipment.

• Troubleshoot issues from fielded assets and perform root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Maintain FPGA images for build configurations and partner with DevOps for FPGA build deliveries.

• Develop engineering documentation (e.g., ICDs, verification plans, test reports) that meets federal program and customer standards.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of FPGA development experience in radar, communications, or high‑performance DSP applications.

Required Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and FPGA platforms such as Xilinx/AMD (Zynq, UltraScale, RFSoC) or Intel/Altera devices.

• Hands‑on experience with high‑speed interfaces, DSP architectures, timing analysis, and verification workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to produce customer‑ready technical documentation.

• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD radar or tactical communications programs.

• Experience with RFSoC, multi‑channel ADC/DAC architectures, or mixed‑signal integration.

• Familiarity with high‑speed switching and transceiver technologies (e.g., Xilinx GTX/GTY).

• Knowledge of DO‑254, MIL‑STD frameworks, or other government design assurance standards.

• Experience scripting or automating workflows in Python, MATLAB, or TCL.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interface effectively with radar, RF, and systems engineering teams.

• Proven ability to work independently on complex tasks while coordinating across multi‑disciplinary groups.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality, review‑ready engineering artifacts.

Technology Stack

• Xilinx/AMD tool suites including Vivado and Vitis

• Mentor Graphics ModelSim/Questa, Synopsys Synplify (or Synplicity)

• Xilinx/AMD Zynq UltraScale RFSoC and MPSoC

• AXI streaming and control buses

• MATLAB and Python

• Git

• Signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and vector signal analyzers

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to work in an ESD‑safe lab environment and operate common RF/digital test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).

• Fine motor skills for handling and connecting lab instrumentation and development boards.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.