At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate cutting-edge DDR systems and develop FPGA prototypes for advanced satellite communication.
- Company: Join MDA Space, a leader in the global space industry with over 55 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private healthcare, pension plans, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team pushing boundaries in space technology and exploration.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering and experience in DDR validation or FPGA development.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
ABOUT MDA SPACE
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission.
Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business, is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. With locations in Israel, the UK, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.
This role requires a strong understanding of DDR protocols, FPGA development, system bring-up, signal integrity, and post-silicon validation.
Key Responsibilities
- DDR System Validation
- Validate DDR3/DDR4 interfaces on modem platforms
- Develop comprehensive DDR validation plans covering functionality, timing, electrical, and performance requirements
- Perform DDR margin analysis including: Timing margins, Voltage margins, Frequency margins, Temperature characterization
- Debug memory training failures, calibration issues, and initialization sequences
- Perform read/write eye analysis and BER measurements
- Analyze DDR performance bottlenecks using hardware and software tools
- FPGA Development & Prototyping
- Develop FPGA-based prototypes for modem subsystems
- Bring up FPGA platforms and validate hardware functionality
- Support hardware/software co-validation using FPGA platforms
- Knowledge of Verilog/SystemVerilog FPGA bring-up
- System-Level Validation
- Perform board bring-up and system integration
- Validate high-speed interfaces including: DDR, USB
- Root cause hardware/software interaction issues
- Develop automated validation scripts
- Support production readiness through stress and reliability testing
- Signal Integrity & Debug
- Perform DDR SI/PI analysis
- Analyze: Crosstalk, Reflection, Overshoot/undershoot
- Work closely with PCB layout and SI teams to optimize DDR routing
- Automation
- Python/C/C++
- Automate regression testing
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with: RTL Design, Memory Controller Design, PHY Design, Firmware Team, PCB Design, Software Team
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Ideally, 8-15 years of total post-graduation working experience
- 5–12+ years of experience in DDR validation, FPGA development, or high-speed digital systems
- Strong understanding of DDR architecture and JEDEC standards
- Experience with: DDR3, DDR4
- Experience with modem or wireless SoCs (4G/5G)
- Familiarity with memory controller microarchitecture
- Experience with Git, and automated regression frameworks
- Strong analytical and debugging skills
- Ability to troubleshoot complex cross-functional issues
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Self-driven with a structured approach to problem-solving
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment
Validation Equipment
- Hands-on experience with: BERT, TDR, Thermal chambers
High-Speed Interfaces
- Experience validating: USB, Ethernet, MIPI CSI/DSI, UFS, UART, SPI, I2C
Programming
- Proficiency in: Python, C/C++
We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.
MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program.
MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
Senior Validation Engineer (Systems / DDR Subsystems) in Farnborough employer: Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation
MDA Space is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among a diverse team of over 3,800 experts. Located in Israel, the company provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development, with access to cutting-edge technology and best-in-class design tools, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of space technology.
Contact Details:
Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation Recruitment Team
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