Staff FPGA Engineer

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you're excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you.We are looking for a highly skilled Staff FPGA Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in designing and implementing FPGA-based instrument systems for the next generation of advanced quantum sensors. This role initially focuses on research and development with the goal of translating prototypes into scalable commercial products. We are looking for individual contributors who can take ownership of their projects while supporting the team's overall goals. Candidates should have strong technical experience and enjoy working collaboratively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.RequirementsWhat You'll Do:Collaborate with physicists, electronics engineers, and optical designers to define system requirements and select appropriate FPGA/SoC components along with supporting ICsDesign and contribute to custom PCB layouts integrating modern FPGA/SoC devices. Identify critical design challenges affecting PCB layouts to ensure robustnessDevelop synthesizable RTL code using Verilog or VHDL, create test benches, and prepare EDA tool support to meet performance targetsLead FPGA board bring-up integration and test activities. Develop test scripts. Compile validation documentationMentor early-career engineers on best practicesCollaborate with the manufacturing team on the release of production-ready code. What We're Looking For:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical disciplineMinimum 7 years of relevant FPGA engineering experience for candidates with EE degrees; 10+ years for other technical degreesTo comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asyleesProven ability to work effectively in laboratory environmentsStrong verbal and written communication skillsExpertise in HDL programming (Verilog and/or VHDL) for synthesizable RTL and verificationExperience with FPGAs with AMD Zynq and AMD Ultrascale+, including RFSoc devicesProficiency using EDA tools such as Vivado and QuestaSolid understanding of hardware signal processing techniques such as digital filters, decimators, PID, etcHands-on experience with laboratory test and measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, pulse generators, logic and protocol analyzers)Ability to collaborate with hardware engineers on FPGA/SoC PCB board designsExperience writing timing constraints (SDC) to achieve timing closure on high-speed FPGA designsFamiliarity with common communication protocols (SPI, I2C, AXI, Avalon, Ethernet, AMBA, Wishbone)Skilled in scripting for EDA tools, preferably TCL and PythonUnderstanding of practical RTL design issues such as latency, jitter, metastability, setup/hold timing, and multicycle pathsFamiliarity with revision control and issue tracking software like Git and JiraPreferred Expertise:Experience with formal verification methodologies and languages (PSL, SystemVerilog, UVVM, UVM, or OVM)Experience working with designs for challenging environmental deployments, including LEOExperience creating custom Linux builds using Yocto, PetaLinux, or OpenEmbeddedA background with managing CI/CD systems, virtualization and deployment technologies. BenefitsVector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employer 401(k) contributions20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidaysPaid parental leaveFully stocked kitchenPay RangeThe approximate base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. Please note that it is less common for candidates to be hired at the top of this range, as final compensation is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.