FPGA System Architect

National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Charlottesville, VA, United States
15 days ago
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Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Compensation
$155,000.0 - $195,000.0
Working hours
Regular working hours
Job source

Tech stack

Computer-Aided Design Boolean Algebra C++ (Programming Language) Code Review Embedded C Firmware Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Hardware Description Language PCI Express Signal Processing Systems Architecture Verilog
+3 more
VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) Git Software Version Control

Job description

The FPGA System Architect at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory will lead architecture and implementation of advanced FPGA-based signal processing and control systems for world-class radio telescopes. Working within the Engineering & Design department in a collaborative, research-focused environment, you will define system architectures, develop FPGA designs, and integrate high-speed DSP pipelines that enable cutting-edge astronomy and astrophysics. This role partners closely with scientists and engineers worldwide, offers access to state-of-the-art technology, and supports continuous learning and professional growth., * Architect FPGA-based signal processing and control systems for advanced radio telescopes.

  • Lead end-to-end FPGA design, simulation, verification, and integration with digital/analog subsystems.
  • Collaborate with astronomers, engineers, and software teams to translate scientific requirements into system architectures.
  • Optimize throughput, latency, and reliability of high-speed DSP and data acquisition pipelines.
  • Define interface specifications, timing constraints, and design standards for FPGA platforms.
  • Perform design reviews, code reviews, and verification planning for FPGA and digital logic designs.
  • Develop and maintain documentation, including architecture diagrams and design specifications.
  • Guide technology selection for FPGAs, high-speed I/O, and supporting hardware.
  • Mentor engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes.
  • Support observatory operations with troubleshooting and upgrades of deployed FPGA systems.

Requirements

  • FPGA design (VHDL/Verilog/System
  • Verilog)
  • Digital signal processing (DSP) for RF/communication systems
  • High-speed interfaces (PCIe, 10/40
  • Gb
  • E, JESD, DDR)
  • So
  • C/MPSo
  • C platforms (Xilinx/Intel)
  • Hardware description languages and simulation tools
  • Timing closure and FPGA implementation flows
  • Embedded C/C++ for firmware and control
  • System-level architecture and requirements analysis
  • Version control and CI for hardware (Git, pipelines)
  • Technical documentation and design reviews

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