DSP Designer

Fidus Systems

$80K — $120K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in signals and systems such as Fourier/Z-transform and digital filter design.
  • Practical experience with estimation and detection theory or adaptive filtering.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python for algorithm design and simulation.
  • Experience with fixed-point conversion and quantization analysis.
  • Ability to collaborate with HDL/FPGA teams across the algorithm-to-hardware boundary.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for explaining complex concepts to non-experts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and simulate DSP algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python.
  • Perform quantization and bit-width analysis for HDL implementation.
  • Collaborate with hardware teams to create feasible hardware architectures.
  • Support HDL verification through test vectors and co-simulation.
  • Assist in the lab bring-up and tuning of hardware for real-world applications.
  • Adapt DSP toolkits for diverse client domains and standards.
  • Document design decisions, trade-offs, and validation results.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Collaborative work environment with innovative teams.
  • Exposure to varied client domains across multiple industries.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
  • Flexibility in job role level based on individual experience.
Full Job Description
Position Overview/Mandate:

The DSP Designer plays a key role in developing and delivering complex signal processing algorithms for Fidus clients, from concept through simulation, fixed-point implementation, and hardware bring-up. You will work directly with customers and internal Fidus FPGA/hardware teams to design algorithms, perform quantization and bit-width analysis, and translate DSP concepts into feasible hardware architectures.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys moving between application domains (communications, radar/sensing, industrial, medical), is comfortable working across the algorithm-to-hardware boundary, and takes pride in producing well-documented, bit-true designs.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Develop and simulate DSP algorithms (equalization, filtering, estimation, detection) in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python, from concept through fixed-point validation
  • Perform quantization/bit-width analysis and produce bit-true fixed-point models suitable for HDL implementation
  • Collaborate with FPGA/HDL and hardware teams to translate algorithms into feasible hardware architectures (pipelining, MAC/resource budgeting, timing closure)
  • Support HDL verification through golden-model test vectors and co-simulation
  • Support lab bring-up, characterization, and tuning of DSP-based hardware against real-world channel/sensor behavior
  • Adapt existing DSP toolkits to new client domains and standards across multiple engagements (e.g., communications, Aerospace & Defense, Space & Satellite, Industrial Automation, Automotive, Medical Devices, and Semiconductor)
  • Document algorithm design decisions, trade-offs, and validation results for client and internal reference

Who You are:
  • BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
  • Strong foundation in signals and systems: Fourier/Z-transform, digital filter design (FIR/IIR), sampling theory
  • Practical experience with estimation/detection theory (e.g., matched filtering, MMSE, Kalman filtering) or adaptive filtering (LMS/RLS)
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python for algorithm design and simulation
  • Experience with fixed-point conversion and quantization trade-off analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to work across the algorithm-to-hardware boundary (collaborating directly with HDL/FPGA teams)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills - ability to explain algorithm trade-offs to non-DSP stakeholders

Nice to Have:
  • Experience in one or more of: optical/wireless communications, radar/sensing, motor control, biomedical signal processing, semiconductor test
  • Experience with high-speed SerDes and PAM4 signaling (e.g., PCIe Gen6, 400G/800G Ethernet electrical) - equalization (FFE/CTLE/DFE), link training, and FEC awareness
  • Familiarity with AMD's Adaptive Computing portfolio (Versal, Alveo) or embedded x86 product lines
  • Familiarity with HDL Coder, HLS, or Simulink-to-HDL co-simulation workflows
  • Hands-on lab experience (scope, VNA, BERT, or domain-equivalent test equipment)
  • Exposure to safety-critical or regulated development processes (DO-178C/DO-254, ISO 26262, IEC 62304/60601) - valued for A&D, automotive, and medtech engagements specifically
  • Experience adapting quickly across multiple industries or client domains (consulting/services background a plus)
  • Exposure to AI/ML techniques applied to signal processing on FPGAs, GPUs, NPUs, or CPUs
  • Experience with dedicated DSP processors (e.g., Analog Devices, Texas Instruments)
  • Experience with RF front-end systems and data converter interfaces (ADC/DAC), including digital up/down-conversion (DUC/DDC)

This role is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

We also recognize that candidates show interest throughout different career stages and welcome all applications. When there is a great fit, the level of the role may be shifted as applicable.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Fidus Systems

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar DSP Designer jobs: