Kepler Communications

Real-time space communications network for missions

FPGA Digital Design Engineer

Silicon & ASIC DesignConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeCA$13.1k - CA$181kRemote

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent is required.
At least five years of working experience with FPGA/RTL design is required.
Experience with Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL is required, with willingness to learn or pivot to SystemVerilog.
Experience with Xilinx FPGAs, specifically Zynq and UltraScale, is required.
A solid understanding of timing principles, including clock domain crossing and timing closure, is required.
Strong scripting skills, such as Python, Tcl, csh, or bash, are required.
Experience with FPGA tools such as Vivado or Quartus and HDL simulation tools such as ModelSim is required.

Responsibilities

Develop custom IP for new features of the satellite digital payloads.
Iterate on current DSP and interface designs to improve reliability.
Work with IP core vendors to integrate new functionality into the designs.
Work with lead engineers to develop the communications and network architecture of the future satellite constellation.
Participate in conceptual design studies of new spacecraft.
Develop FPGA code focused either on DSP algorithms to modulate and demodulate signals on board the software-defined radio, or on embedded systems interfacing with processors and peripherals.
Participate in all phases of the FPGA design flow, including simulation, synthesis, place and route, timing closure, and hardware testing.

Desired Qualifications

A Master of Science in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience in coherent digital demodulation of waveforms such as BPSK, QPSK, or QAM.
Experience with memory-mapped interfaces such as AXI, Wishbone, or Avalon.
Experience with high-speed transceivers for protocols such as JESD204B, PCIe, or SATA.
Experience with linting tools, Questa Sim, or Riviera-Pro.
Experience with Xilinx Versal and RFSoC.
Experience designing printed circuit boards.
Knowledge of radio-frequency electronics design.

Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

We’re on the hunt for a top-tier FPGA Digital Design Engineer to develop the next generation of our satellites.

At Kepler, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of engineers building the Kepler spacecraft. You will be responsible for the design and implementation of FPGA code either with a focus on DSP algorithms to modulate and demodulate signals on board our software defined radio (SDR), or embedded systems interfacing with processors and peripherals. To be effective you will need to participate in all phases of FPGA design flow (Simulation, Synthesis, Place & Route, Timing Closure and Hardware Testing). A good understanding of the intricacies of FPGA development would make a candidate standout.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop custom IP for new features of the Kepler satellite digital payloads
Iterate on current DSP and interface designs to improve reliability
Work with IP core vendors to integrate new functionality into the Kepler designs
Work with lead engineers in developing the communications and network architecture of our future satellite constellation
Participate in conceptual design studies of new spacecraft

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent
5+ yr. working experience with FPGA/RTL design
Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL with the willingness to learn or pivot to SystemVerilog
Xilinx FPGA(s). Specifically, Zynq and UltraScale
Solid understanding of timing principles, including clock domain crossing and timing closure
Strong scripting skills (e.g Python, Tcl, csh/bash, etc.)
Experience with FPGA tools (e.g Vivado, Quartus), HDL Simulation Tools (ModelSim)

Bonus Points:

Masters of Science in Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
Experience in coherent digital demodulation of waveforms such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM
Experience with memory mapped interfaces such as AXI, Wishbone, Avalon
Experience with high-speed transceivers for protocols such as JESD204B, PCIe, SATA
Experience with Linting tools, Questa Sim or Riviera-Pro
Experience with Xilinx Versal and RFSoC
Experience designing printed circuit boards
Knowledge of radio-frequency electronics design

Salary Range: $131,00 - $181,000 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.

Job Type: This is for a current vacancy

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.

About the Company

Kepler Communications

Real-time space communications network for missions

Kepler Communications builds and operates a space communications network. It provides real-time, continuous connectivity for space missions through The Kepler Network, which includes satellite constellations, ground stations, payload technology, and intersatellite links to improve telemetry, tracking, and command. The company offers S Band, Ku Band, and Optical communication services to extend data downlink capacity and enable on-orbit data access, while also handling regulatory filings for customers. This setup helps satellite operators, space stations, launch vehicle operators, and other space assets access space-generated data without needing to manage their own communications infrastructure. Kepler’s goal is to remove barriers in space communications and enable global access to data from space.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $178.8M
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Founded: 2015

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