FPGA RF Signal Processing Engineer

About the role

Muon Space seeks a talented FPGA Engineer with RF processing Expertise to join our High Performance Compute (HPC) team. In this role, you will implement HDL/RTL for digital signal processing of RF systems on FPGAs, and design and optimize these algorithms. You'll work at the intersection of RF theory, algorithm development, software defined radio (SDR), and high performance digital FPGA design to deliver high-performance wireless communication and RF sensing products. If you thrive on complex challenges in a dynamic startup environment and want to build the future of Earth observation, we want to hear from you.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize RF processing algorithms on FPGAs for real-time execution; support algorithm prototyping and modelling and porting to ARM FPGA-SoCs
• Design, simulate, implement and integrate DSP and modulation algorithms for RF applications (Communications, ESM, Radar, etc.)
• Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration routines, and system integration, and team up with other software departments
• Author technical documentation, design specifications, and test reports

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in FPGA development of RF algorithms and translating prototype algorithms into FPGA implementations
• Experience with general RF digital signal processing techniques in some of the following areas: spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, modulation/demodulation, filtering, channel estimation, equalization, synchronization, AGC, DPD, etc.
• Profound expertise in RTL/HDL (Verilog / System Verilog / VHDL) and FPGA system architecture and design flows
• Ability to work with a distributed, interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers, data support, etc.)
• Familiarity with modern software development tooling and best practices
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in systems analysis, troubleshooting and design, with a strong understanding of the interplays between hardware and software
• Experience working with a distributed team of developers across multiple groups and departments
• Familiarity with Xilinx/AMD RFSoC or MPSoC
• Proficiency in C/C++ or Rust for embedded and real-time systems
• Experience with Python-based development and analysis
• Familiarity with FPGA-based DSP techniques 
• DPD (Digital Predistortion), beamforming, MIMO, or radar signal processing
• Communications: Modulation schemes (QAM, OFDM, FSK), channel coding, multirate signal processing, and adaptive filtering
• RF concepts: mixers, PLLs, ADCs/DACs, IQ imbalance, frequency planning, link budgets
• Calibration algorithms (DC offset, IQ correction, LO leakage)
• Experience working on space-based applications
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for embedded firmware
• Proficient with version control (Git), debugging tools (JTAG, GDB), and lab instrumentation

What You’ll Bring

• A systems-level mindset that connects RF physics, DSP mathematics, and FPGA implementation
• Strong analytical and debugging skills for solving RF/FPGA hardware bugs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Salary

The salary range for this role is $190,000 - $212,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.