FPGA Engineer – Optical Communications

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp. is building a state‑of‑the‑art optical communication system for its satellite fleet. We are seeking an experienced FPGA/RTL engineer to design the hard‑real‑time logic that connects optical terminals to embedded computers and to deliver high‑throughput data links for on‑orbit and ground communications.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify HDL/RTL in SystemVerilog/Verilog for FPGA subsystems, from architecture through on‑orbit operation.
• Partner with the optical communication team to create FPGA logic for free‑space optical links, including modem interfacing, framing, and synchronization.
• Develop high‑throughput Ethernet MAC/PCS pipelines (10/25/40/100 GbE) and configure SERDES/transceivers.
• Build AXI‑based memory‑mapped register interfaces and define hardware/software contracts.
• Own timing closure, synthesis, and implementation on Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal devices using Vivado.
• Create testbenches, run simulations, and validate designs with logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Lead board bring‑up, hardware integration, and root‑cause analysis of anomalies across the optical‑link‑to‑software chain.
• Document designs and share ownership of the FPGA function with the team.

Required profile

• Experienced FPGA/RTL engineer with a track record of delivering complex hardware designs.
• Ability to take full ownership of workstreams and operate in a fast‑paced, flight‑program environment.
• Strong collaboration skills with optical, electrical, and embedded software engineers.

Required skills

• SystemVerilog / Verilog
• HDL design for FPGA
• Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal platforms
• Vivado toolchain
• AXI register interfaces
• High‑speed Ethernet MAC/PCS (10/25/40/100 GbE)
• SERDES and transceiver configuration
• Testbench development and simulation
• Logic analyzer, oscilloscope, and protocol analyzer usage

What we offer

• Opportunity to see your designs fly on a live satellite program.
• Work with a small, high‑impact team at the forefront of space infrastructure.
• Competitive compensation and equity in a fast‑growing startup.