FPGA Engineer (early)

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. 

As an FPGA engineer on the flight Software team, you will design, develop, and own the digital circuits driving the autonomous operation of Apex’s satellite buses. You will be responsible for developing mission critical FPGA solutions that need to operate reliably 24/7, ensuring that Apex’s spacecraft continue to operate in all scenarios.

In this role, you will work closely with both internal teams and external customers, aligning your solutions with company objectives and user requirements. We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and own mission critical firmware applications for satellite systems.
• Deploying firmware and supporting hardware integration during initial spacecraft during commissioning to firmware is functional in all scenarios.
• Own firmware solutions through the full lifecycle from initial design to deployment.
• Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system-level testing of firmware components, identifying and resolving any defects or issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to baseline product requirements and technical roadmaps.

Requirements

• Strong proficiency in languages such as Verilog or VHDL and working knowledge of CC++.
• Experience with real time systems running on distributed hardware.
• Knowledge of embedded Linux operating systems, device trees and interfacing FPGA logic to core software executables  .
• Experience with serial protocols such as SPI. I2C, UART, SpaceWire.
• Experience with verification, simulation and testing of FPGA firmware and embedded systems.
• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), secure communication systems, and encryption.
• Experience debugging hardware using tools such as the logic analyzers, oscilloscopes and serial protocol analyzers.
• Familiarity with hardware schematics and ability to contribute to hardware design.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation utilizing tools such as Python, Bash, Tcl, and Docker.