FPGA Engineer

Quantum
Oxford, United Kingdom
2 days ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Working hours
Regular working hours
Languages
English
Experience level
Senior
Compensation
£ 58K

Job location

Oxford, United Kingdom

Tech stack

Artificial Neural Networks
Boolean Algebra
C++
Computer Engineering
Data Migration
Software Debugging
Logic Synthesis of Circuits
Digital Technology
Embedded Software
Ethernet
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
Hardware Description Language
High-Frequency Trading
Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards)
Python
Matlab
Machine Learning
PCI Express
Systems Architecture
System on a Chip
Tcl (Programming Language)
Toolchain
VHDL
Vivado
Scripting (Bash/Python/Go/Ruby)
Application Specific Integrated Circuits
Optimization Algorithms
Bare Metal
Hardware Acceleration
Hardware Debugging

Job description

  • Algorithm implementation: Translate complex probabilistic algorithms from high-level models, such as pseudocode/Python/C++/MATLAB, into highly pipelined, resource-efficient FPGA RTL.
  • RTL design from scratch: Design and implement custom digital logic using VHDL where off-the-shelf vendor IPs are insufficient, bottlenecked, or introduce latency.
  • High-speed I/O integration: architect data acquisition pipelines interfacing with the analogue front end via ultra-fast ADCs and high-speed transceivers, as well as interfacing to high-throughput computer host architectures via PCIe and high-speed Ethernet.
  • System architecture: Work closely with hardware and software engineers, the research team, and ASIC architects to develop the high-level system architecture.
  • Verification & bring-up: Develop rigorous testbenches and simulations to ensure compliance with functional and timing requirements. Participate in lab bring-up and debugging of physical hardware.
  • Optimisation: Use advanced debugging tools and techniques to analyse and optimise performance, timing closure, power consumption, and resource utilisation across multiple clock domains.

Requirements

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in FPGA digital design, including designing and debugging resource-intensive high-speed digital systems.
  • Expertise in HDL: Strong proficiency in HDL coding, and a proven track record of writing custom RTL from scratch.
  • PS/Embedded development knowledge: Practical understanding of processor-side development for FPGA SoC platforms, particularly Zynq or similar PS/PL architectures. Being comfortable writing or reviewing bare-metal C/C++ to configure PL peripherals through AXI registers, moving data between PS and PL.
  • Math to hardware: Proven ability to translate complex mathematical models into hardware accelerators, including bit-accurate system modelling and fixed-point arithmetic.
  • Digital design fundamentals: Solid understanding of advanced digital design concepts, including timing closure for highly utilised designs and clock domain crossing (CDC).
  • Toolchains: Deep experience with design and verification tools such as Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and TCL scripting.
  • Lab/debug skills: Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, signal generators, and logic analysers, and lab bring-up of custom boards.

What makes you stand out

  • Synchronised FPGA interconnect network within a scalable cluster approach.
  • Demonstrated experience with implementing stochastic problems, optimisation algorithms, neural network, or artificial intelligence / machine learning algorithms into hardware.
  • Direct experience with the ASIC design flow: act as the critical bridge towards custom silicon by prototyping, emulating, and validating our probabilistic computing architectures on FPGA platforms prior to ASIC tape-out.
  • Experience designing highly optimised, low-latency computing architectures, such as high-frequency trading, custom digital signal processing, or high-performance computing

About the company

* It's an exciting time to work in probabilistic computing and you'll be defining the libraries for an entirely new class of computer. * We maintain strong ties to the University of Oxford, offering a vibrant intellectual environment and access to world-leading experts. * Our technology targets critical real-world sectors, including logistics, drug discovery, and climate modeling. * We are a diverse team of passionate thinkers meeting builders. We value curiosity, transparency and a good sense of humour. Quantum Dice is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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