Digital Hardware Design Engineer

Our client is seeking a Digital Hardware Design Engineer to support cutting-edge advancements in laser-based communication systems. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the design and implementation of high-speed, high-fidelity hardware critical to next-generation optical communications systems. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about pushing the limits of digital hardware for space and airborne platforms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Lead or contribute to the design, integration, and testing of high-performance modem and networking hardware systems.
• Develop FPGA-based and PCB-based systems for applications requiring high-speed digital signal processing, robust control systems, and space-environment reliability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, software, systems, optical, and FPGA/HDL engineers to meet rigorous project requirements.
• Engage directly with stakeholders to define evolving system requirements and present technical progress.
• Support long-term research into advanced architectures, including next-generation terminals, assured positioning and timing over optical links, and networked optical communications.
• Grow into a subject matter expert in high-speed digital board design, space-grade electronics, and DSP and networking functions vital to secure and resilient communication systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field (Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience; a PhD may substitute for 5 years).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant technical experience, including demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: FPGA/SoC development using custom HDL, embedded software development in C/C++ and scripting languages, schematic capture and PCB design with board bring-up, or signal integrity analysis and simulation.
• Experience designing high-reliability and space-qualified electronics, including derating, part selection, and radiation mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with radiation effects in high-altitude and space environments (LEO, GEO, etc.).
• Expertise with Xilinx SoCs and the Versal architecture.
• Proficiency in high-speed interfaces, including SERDES, DDR4, and other memory architectures.
• Use of signal integrity and electromagnetic tools such as Ansys HFSS/Circuit/SIwave, HyperLynx, or HSPICE.
• Experience with Mentor Graphics tools, especially Xpedition.
• Technical project leadership or management experience.
• Understanding of networking protocols (Ethernet, Software Defined Networking, etc.).
• Experience with implementing DSP and networking logic on FPGAs.

Due to the nature of the work, an active Top-Secret clearance is required. Selected candidate will be subject to a post offer background check and must be able to maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.