FPGA Engineer (Falcon)

FPGA ENGINEER (FALCON)

As an FPGA Engineer on the Falcon team, you will design and implement signal processing chains needed for the next generation of Falcon’s flight computer and RF communication. You will work alongside DSP algorithm designers, FPGA and software developers, and RF engineers to architect, develop, and test the next generation of avionics systems at SpaceX. You will be responsible for ensuring your system behaves as expected and troubleshoot when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch rockets frequently, safely, and reliably.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the conceptual, architectural, and design components of digital, signal processing, and communication systems
• Implement logic designs and signals processing algorithms in RTL
• Integrate designs onto FPGA/SoC platforms
• Bring up and validate devices that communicate to and fly in space
• Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
• Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering / ECE, computer science, mathematics, or related STEM field
• 2+ years of experience working with complex FPGAs, ASICs, or signal processing algorithms for digital communication / sensor systems (internship and research experience qualifies)
• Knowledge of SystemVerilog or VHDL

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience developing data pipelines, state machines, and arithmetic logic
• Exposure to advanced timing closure and resource optimization techniques
• Experience integrating logic onto SoC platforms and designing high-throughput PS/PL interfaces
• Solid understanding of DSP fundamentals
• Experience interfacing with high-rate conversion interfaces (Xilinx RFSoC, AD9361)
• Experience designing and modeling DSP algorithms (MATLAB, GNU Radio, Scientific Python)
• Software development skills (C/C++/Python)
• Experience with Linux and bash shell scripting
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges
• Understanding of verification methodologies
• Excellent documentation skills and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay Range:    
FPGA Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 – $145,000.00/per year    
FPGA Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 – $170,000.00/per year
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.