Senior Systems Engineer – FPGA & DSP

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.

ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy.