FPGA Engineer III - Advanced Programs

FPGA Engineer III - Advanced Programs

Rockville, MD

Who We're Looking For

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Electrical Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft electrical systems and defense-related space technologies. In this role, you will contribute to spacecraft avionics, communications, power systems, embedded electronics, and hardware integration activities while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. You will work hands-on with cutting-edge aerospace hardware in a fast-paced environment supporting national security and spaceflight missions.

Where You'll Make an Impact

Lead FPGA subsystem development across advanced Ranger spacecraft programs from architecture definition through integration and flight readiness Develop FPGA architectures supporting spacecraft avionics, communications, payload processing, timing systems, and embedded control applications Design, implement, integrate, and validate FPGA firmware utilizing VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog Support FPGA integration with embedded processors, avionics hardware, RF communications systems, sensors, and payload electronics Collaborate with electrical hardware teams to define FPGA interface requirements, timing constraints, and board-level integration architectures Support development of verification environments, simulation infrastructure, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and regression test workflows Lead FPGA debugging, timing closure, hardware bring-up, and root-cause analysis activities across integrated spacecraft systems Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, and mission-readiness activities across spacecraft development programs Participate in major development reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR activities Develop and maintain FPGA design documentation, interface definitions, verification artifacts, and procedures

What It Takes

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field 7+ years of experience developing FPGA-based systems for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability embedded applications Strong experience designing FPGA architectures utilizing VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog Experience designing for AMD and Microsemi FPGA devices Experience implementing high-speed digital interfaces including LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, and related protocols Strong understanding of FPGA timing analysis, timing closure, clock-domain crossing, and signal integrity considerations Experience supporting FPGA hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration activities Experience developing FPGA verification environments and simulation workflows Experience with radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened FPGA architectures and design practices Direct experience developing FPGA systems for spacecraft or spaceflight applications Strong systems-level understanding of embedded hardware and spacecraft avionics integration Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills Comfortable operating in fast-paced spacecraft development environments with high ownership and execution expectations

Nice-to-Have Experience

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field Experience supporting spacecraft avionics, RF communications, payload processing, or GNC systems Experience supporting reliability, radiation, and EMI/EMC considerations at both hardware and system levels Experience developing FPGA-based fault management, redundancy, or safety-critical architectures Experience supporting spacecraft AI&T activities including vehicle-level and component-level environmental testing Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations activities post-deployment Experience leading FPGA design reviews, architecture reviews, and integration reviews Familiarity with embedded software integration and processor-based SoC architectures Experience with scripting and automation tools including Python or Tcl Knowledge of emerging FPGA technologies and high-performance embedded processing architectures

What You'll Get

Ownership – Lead development of mission-critical FPGA architectures supporting advanced Ranger missions Innovation – Build next-generation programmable logic systems enabling high-mobility spacecraft operations Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready digital systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial missions Growth – Operate at the center of spacecraft avionics and embedded systems development across multidisciplinary engineering teams Compensation – Base salary range: $125,000 - $175,000 - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the programmable systems enabling the next generation of agile, high-mobility spacecraft missions.