Job Title: FPGA EngineerJob Description
The FPGA Engineer will design and develop software-defined radio (SDR) communication payloads for advanced space missions, including deep-space, lunar, and Mars communication systems. This role focuses on creating, implementing, and maintaining FPGA designs using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL for space-based platforms, with a strong emphasis on digital signal processing and robust verification.
Responsibilities-
Design, implement, and maintain FPGA-based solutions for software-defined radio (SDR) communication payloads used in deep-space, lunar, and Mars missions.
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Develop FPGA architectures and modules using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL for space systems and related applications.
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Design and integrate digital signal processing (DSP) functions, including filtering, modulation and demodulation, channelization, and rate conversion.
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Perform simulation and functional verification of FPGA designs using industry-standard tools such as QuestaSim and Vivado Simulator.
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Conduct validation activities to ensure FPGA designs meet performance, reliability, and quality requirements for space flight and defense industry applications.
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Create and maintain clear technical documentation for FPGA designs, interfaces, and verification results.
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Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate FPGA solutions into broader communication payload and space system architectures.
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Contribute to ongoing improvements in design methodologies, verification practices, and tool usage to enhance development efficiency and product reliability.
Essential Skills-
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
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10+ years of experience in FPGA design and development.
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Strong proficiency in Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL for FPGA implementation.
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Hands-on experience with Xilinx toolchains, including Xilinx Vivado.
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Demonstrated experience with simulation and verification tools such as QuestaSim and Vivado Simulator.
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Background in space flight or defense industry projects, with an understanding of the requirements and constraints of these environments.
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Proven ability to perform verification and validation of complex FPGA designs.
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Eligibility to work on programs that require United States permanent residency.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience designing FPGA-based software-defined radio (SDR) systems for communication payloads.
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Knowledge of digital signal processing techniques, including filtering, modulation/demodulation, channelization, and rate conversion.
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Familiarity with the challenges and reliability requirements of space systems and mission-critical hardware.
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Ability to produce thorough technical documentation and design reports.
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Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in high-reliability design environments.
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Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a small, highly skilled engineering team.
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Motivation to contribute to hardware development for multiple space flight programs and cutting-edge missions.
Work Environment
This role is based within a growing engineering team in Southern California that focuses on advanced space flight hardware development. The team currently consists of experienced engineers with a strong Background in space systems and is planned to expand significantly in the coming months. You will work in a collaborative environment using industry-standard FPGA design, simulation, and verification tools such as Xilinx Vivado and QuestaSim, contributing directly to multiple space flight programs and next-generation communication payloads.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $95.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Santa Fe Springs,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
