Job Summary
The Senior Systems Engineer - FPGA & DSP specializes in coherent RF signal combining and beam forming. This position is responsible for being the technical lead to architect, design, and develop robust FPGA-based solutions within a C++/Xilinx HLS environment. This position creates and optimizes high-bandwidth RF architectures and turning theoretical digital signal processing into efficient silicon reality.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop coherent combining and beamforming modules using C++ and Xilinx HLS, ensuring precise phase alignment and time delay across multiple channels.
- Requirements capturing, design definition & implementation of VHDL detailed designs.
- Implement VITA 49-compliant data packetization for high-speed IF or RF data distribution.
- Design and fine-tune DSP blocks (e.g., FFT, filtering, NCO, cross-correlation) to meet stringent real-time and resource utilization requirements.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure signal integrity and minimize latency in large-scale, multi-channel systems.
- Use Vivado (or Vitis) for synthesis, simulation, timing closure, and debug.
- Create testbenches in C++/System Verilog/Python to validate functional correctness and phase coherence across all channels.
- Provide guidance to junior engineers, reviewing design approaches and ensuring best practices for coherent signal processing.
- Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware teams to define project requirements and deliver high-quality solutions on schedule.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills and/or Experience Needed
- MS or BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or related engineering field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in FPGA development, specifically in signal processing and high-speed I/O.
- Proven expertise with Xilinx HLS (Vivado / Vitis) and writing performance-critical C++ for FPGA synthesis.
- Hands-on experience with coherent combining, beamforming, or similar multi-channel synchronization techniques.
- Strong knowledge of VITA 49, including metadata handling and packet-based transport of digitized signals.
- Knowledge of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is a plus.
- Experience with Xilinx RFSoC is a plus.
- Proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and FPGA design methodologies.
- Experience with Vivado Design Suite and Xilinx SDK.
- Familiarity with high-bandwidth networking protocols (Ethernet up to 100Gb, PCIe, or similar).
- Solid grasp of digital signal processing fundamentals (filters, FFTs, channelization, interference cancellation).
- Proficiency in FPGA development flows (Vivado, ModelSim, or similar) and lab debugging (ILAs, scopes).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Advanced degree (MSEE/PhD) with a focus on DSP, RF Communications, or FPGA acceleration preferred.
- Experience with additional standards/protocols relevant to software-defined radio or phased-array systems preferred.
- Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, TCL) for automation and testing is highly desirable.
- Track record of publishing or patenting innovations in signal processing or hardware acceleration highly desirable.
Language Skills
- Interpersonal skills to effectively work with internal peers as well as working effectively with suppliers and customers.
- Ability to effectively present information in team meetings and design reviews, as needed.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written form.
Other Abilities
- Must have substantial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work extended hours, as needed.
- Strong analytical skills and solid work ethic.
Additional Requirements
- Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD Security Clearance in support of US Government contracts/subcontracts.
- Willing to be in office 5-days/week.
Physical Demands
- This position uses a computer terminal to access, input, and retrieve data.
- This position may be subject to interruptions that may cause a change in immediate priorities and/or work focus.
- While performing duties to this position, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, and/or bend.
- May occasionally lift and/or move parts, files or boxes up to 40 pounds.
- May be subjected to occasional irregular or extended work hours.
- May be required to sit for extended lengths of time.
- Must be able to work in an environment that may be subjected to occasional loud noises, hazardous materials, chemicals, and electromagnetic energy.
Salary Range - $120,000 - $160,000
ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan.
