FPGA Engineer @ Astranis

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We’re doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you’ll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

As an FPGA Engineer you’ll be responsible for the architecture, the design, the verification, and test of RTL designs for the FPGAs that go into the spacecraft. You will work closely with the software, DSP and hardware teams to achieve design requirements.

Role:

Design RTL for high data rate, software defined radios
Work with multiple FPGAs and toolchains
Interface FPGAs with high speed data converters, memories, MCUs
Design, implement and test radiation mitigation schemes on FPGA
Collaborate closely with DSP/radio algorithm designer
Collaborate closely with embedded firmware and software engineers
Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team.

Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent
2+ years of experience
A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
Experience in designing, implementing, and testing high throughput systems implemented on FPGAs
Strong proficiency with Verilog (preferably SystemVerilog) for both synthesis and verification

Bonus:

MS or PhD in computer engineering or equivalent
Considerable expertise in at least 1 domain beyond just the logic design. This could be DSP/radio design, software, hi-rel design (e.g. fault analysis & recover), etc.
Experience with Xilinx FPGAs
Experience with modern communication systems (RF, IF/IQ, time/freq domains, modulation)
Experience with Vivado IDE, TCL
Familiarity with system level estimates and implications of power, thermal, and real estate
Experience with high speed data converters (ADCs, DACs, JESD204)
Experience with circuit level debugging
Experience with digital communication theory and implementation, such as LDPC implementations
Experience with space-based systems

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is a single component of Astranis’s total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$120,000—$175,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Benefits