Senior Software Engineer

Overview Senior FPGA Engineer - Quantum Computing Control Systems. Join QuEra Computing's engineering team to develop cutting-edge FPGA systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You'll work on real-time control systems that manipulate individual atoms with microsecond precision, enabling breakthrough quantum algorithms and applications. Role Summary We're seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and optimize high-performance FPGA systems for quantum computing applications. You'll work on complex real-time control systems, high-speed data acquisition, and precision timing systems that are critical to our quantum computer's operation. Key Responsibilities Core FPGA Development Design and implement System Verilog modules for quantum control systems including: Scheduled multitone generators for RF/microwave quantum gates Real-time pulse sequencers for laser control High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (16-bit, 4 samples/clock) Hardware-accelerated image processing for atom detection Develop and maintain Ulti-board FPGA designs (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC) Implement high-speed serial interfaces (CoaXPress, Aurora, AXI4-Stream) Design clock domain crossing logic with proper CDC verification Optimize resource utilization and timing closure for complex designs System Integration & Verification Create comprehensive testbenches using System Verilog and Python (cocotb) Develop simulation models for quantum control peripherals Implement formal verification for critical timing constraints Design and validate real-time trigger and synchronization systems Troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues Performance & Reliability Optimize data throughput for high-bandwidth quantum control signals Implement error detection and recovery mechanisms Design robust clocking architectures for multi-domain systems Develop monitoring and diagnostics for system health Ensure deterministic timing for quantum gate operations Technical Requirements Essential Skills 5+ years FPGA development experience with Xilinx UltraScale+ devices Expert-level System Verilog with modern verification methodologies Experience with high-speed serial protocols (Aurora, AXI4, PCIe, Ethernet) Real-time systems design with microsecond timing requirements Digital signal processing implementation in FPGAs Clock domain crossing design and verification Python programming for test automation and data analysis Preferred Qualifications RF/microwave systems experience (frequency synthesis, phase-locked loops) High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (JESD204B/C, RFSoC experience) Image processing algorithms (centroid detection, pattern recognition) Formal verification using System Verilog assertions CoaXPress or camera interface experience AWS/cloud development environments Familiar with High Level Synthesis and Vivado block design Technical Stack FPGA Tools: Vivado 2022.2+, Vitis, PetaLinux Languages: SystemVerilog, Verilog, Python, TCL Verification: UVM, cocotb, pytest, formal verification Protocols: AXI4, AXI4-Stream, Aurora, CoaXPress, SPI, I2C Boards: Xilinx ZCU102/111/216, RFSoC platforms Development: Git, CI/CD, AWS EC2, Linux Project Examples You'll work on systems like: Quantum Gate Control: 8-channel RF tone generators with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution Atom Detection: Real-time image processing at 1+ Gbps data rates Precision Timing: Synchronized control sequences Data Acquisition: High-speed capture of quantum measurement results System Integration: Multi-board coordination for scalable quantum computers What We Offer Cutting-edge technology: Work on the forefront of quantum computing High-impact projects: Your code directly enables quantum algorithms Technical growth: Learn quantum physics while advancing FPGA skills Collaborative environment: Work with physicists, software engineers, and system architects Success Metrics Design Quality: Clean, well-documented, and maintainable SystemVerilog code Performance: Meeting timing requirements for real-time quantum control Reliability: Robust error handling and system monitoring Innovation: Proposing and implementing improvements to quantum control systems Collaboration: Effective communication with cross-functional teams Education & Experience Bachelor's/master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics 5+ years FPGA development with complex, real-time systems Experience with quantum computing, RF systems, or precision instrumentation preferred Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail Excellent communication skills for technical documentation and team collaboration Why This Role Matters Quantum computers represent the next frontier in computing, with potential to revolutionize cryptography, optimization, and scientific simulation. As an FPGA engineer on our team, you'll build the hardware foundation that makes quantum algorithms possible - controlling individual atoms with unprecedented precision to create the quantum states that power breakthrough applications. This work will directly impact our ability to scale quantum computers and bring quantum advantage to real-world problems. This role offers the opportunity to combine advanced FPGA engineering with quantum physics, working on systems that operate at the fundamental limits of precision and timing. Additional Details We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires. QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr