Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer based in United States.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on accelerating the development of next-generation communications ASICs and complex space <hardware.You> will own FPGA prototyping, firmware enablement, first-silicon bring-up, and hardware validation across the silicon lifecycle.The role bridges ASIC design, firmware, software, verification, and system integration to enable earlier and more effective <development.You> will build FPGA platforms that allow software and firmware teams to work ahead of first <silicon.You> will also develop automated validation infrastructure and troubleshoot high-speed digital interfaces and silicon in the lab.The environment is highly collaborative, fast-paced, and technically ambitious, with opportunities to work on advanced satellite communications technology.This position requires full-time onsite presence at the company's headquarters in Torrance, California.

Accountabilities

• Develop FPGA-based prototypes that enable early ASIC integration, firmware development, hardware/software integration, and system validation.
• Build and maintain hardware platforms that allow engineering teams to develop and test functionality before first silicon is available.
• Support first-silicon bring-up, functional validation, characterization, and debugging throughout the hardware lifecycle.
• Develop automated validation and regression infrastructure for silicon characterization, testing, and performance analysis.
• Configure, validate, and troubleshoot digital interfaces, including high-speed Ethernet SerDes, SPI, UART, GPIO, and other peripherals.
• Develop FPGA-based traffic generators, protocol checkers, test applications, and other tools for interface and system validation.
• Investigate complex issues spanning RTL, FPGA prototypes, firmware, software, and silicon using simulation, debugging tools, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Use JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to isolate hardware and interface issues.
• Collaborate closely with ASIC Design, Verification, Firmware, Software, Systems, and DFT teams to accelerate development and resolve technical challenges.
• Contribute to a development environment focused on rapid iteration, robust validation, and reliable hardware performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on FPGA development experience using Verilog/SystemVerilog and AMD/Xilinx FPGA tools.
• Strong understanding of ASIC development methodologies, digital system architecture, and FPGA prototyping for ASIC development.
• Demonstrated experience with firmware or software enablement, hardware bring-up, and post-silicon validation.
• Strong hardware debugging skills, including practical experience with JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.
• Proficiency in Python and scripting languages for test automation, validation infrastructure, and engineering workflows.
• Experience working across hardware and software boundaries, with the ability to debug issues spanning multiple layers of a system.
• Familiarity with networking, communications, or satellite systems is a plus.
• Experience with embedded processors such as ARM or RISC-V and hard real-time systems, including bare-metal or RTOS environments, is preferred.
• Experience validating high-speed digital interfaces, Ethernet, SerDes, SPI, or UART is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving engineering environment and contribute effectively to technically complex projects.
• Candidates must satisfy applicable U.S. export-control requirements for access to ITAR-controlled information and technology.

Benefits

• Base salary range of $120,000–$225,000, depending on skills, education, experience, and other relevant factors.
• Equity participation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Additional employee perks and benefits.
• Full-time, onsite work environment at the headquarters in Torrance, California.
• Opportunity to contribute to advanced satellite and communications technologies with significant technical scope and impact.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants who need support during the application or interview process.