Design and implement FPGA logic and embedded firmware for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC-based radar payloads and on-orbit processing. Develop high-throughput data movement modules, Linux-based embedded systems (PetaLinux/Yocto), and test/automation tools in Python. Collaborate with digital, RF, signal processing, and systems engineers to integrate, validate, and optimize embedded architectures for satellite operation.
Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across the physical world.
We’re launching a coordinated fleet of radar satellites to create a high-resolution 3D map of the Earth – updated in real time – enabling faster, smarter decision-making for government and commercial organizations supporting disaster response, infrastructure resilience, and mission-critical geopolitical intelligence.
We design and build our satellites end-to-end, producing the world’s most advanced earth observation satellites. Our fleet will deliver unprecedented levels of accuracy, coverage, and responsiveness to power critical insights precisely where they’re needed most.
About the Job
As a Senior FPGA Engineer, you will develop the FPGA logic and embedded software that drive Array’s radar payloads and on-orbit processing systems. Your work could include designing FPGA modules for high-throughput sensing and data movement, writing and maintaining C/C++ firmware for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC devices, or building Linux-based embedded systems using PetaLinux and Yocto, collaborating closely with digital, RF, signal processing, and systems engineers to deliver reliable, high-performance embedded solutions. The software and FPGA architectures you build will directly influence radar timing, data integrity, processing throughput, and system reliability on orbit.
As part of our quickly growing engineering team, you will play a critical role in building the world’s most advanced radar satellite constellation—one that will significantly improve humanity’s ability to rapidly and comprehensively understand our changing planet.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to bring-up and integration of FPGA-based platforms, including Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs.
- Support the design and implementation of FPGA modules for reliable, high-throughput data movement.
- Develop embedded software and firmware that support Array’s radar sensors, communication links, and satellite systems.
- Participate in building and maintaining Linux-based embedded systems using tools such as PetaLinux or Yocto.
- Create automation, diagnostic, and test tools in Python to accelerate development and validation.
- Collaborate across digital, RF, signal processing, and systems teams to evaluate performance, debug issues, and refine embedded architectures.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 5-8 years of experience in FPGA design and development
- Experience with Xilinx FPGA design tools and workflows
- Experience with embedded C/C++ for firmware development
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- High levels of self-motivation and personal accountability
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under significant time constraints
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience building software for complex embedded systems or custom SoCs
- Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems development (Petalinux/Yocto)
- Familiarity with Linux kernel drivers and related HW/SW interfaces
- Hands-on experience in FPGA build and deploy processes
- Proficiency in Python scripting for automation and testing
- Experience with satellite systems or aerospace applications
- Ability to read, interpret and modify schematic diagrams
ITAR Requirements
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
- Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Interview Process
We will conduct interviews via Google Meet; the typical process takes around 2-4 weeks to complete from start to finish.
Hiring and Compensation Strategy
Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple:
1) find uncommonly good people
2) pay them uncommonly well
You can anticipate competitive pay, with high flexibility between salary and equity-based compensation.
Why Join Array Labs?
Array Labs is launching a constellation of satellites to create the first high-resolution, real-time, three-dimensional model of Earth. Our next-generation satellite technology will offer image quality 60x greater than traditional techniques, profoundly expanding humanity’s ability to understand and respond to events on a global scale.
In forging an affordable, accessible, accurate representation of Earth, our work has the potential to transform the face of dozens of fields, including autonomy, telecommunications, disaster relief, gaming, climate science, defense and construction.
Array Labs Palo Alto, California, USA Office
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Lead end-to-end FPGA architecture, development, verification, integration, and on-orbit support for spacecraft systems. Design high-speed interfaces, digital backplanes, payload data buses, FPGA-to-CPU/SoC architectures, and radiation-tolerant logic. Manage verification plans, documentation, milestones, and cross-team delivery while mentoring engineers. Collaborate with avionics, embedded software, hardware, and test teams throughout the product lifecycle from concept through launch.
Top Skills:
AlteraAltium DesignerAmdCC++EccEthernetFpgaFpga SynthesisI2CIntelMac/PhyMicrochipMicrosemiModelsimPciePythonQuestasimSpacewireSpiTcpTmrUartUdpVerilogVhdlXilinx
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Develop and use SystemVerilog/UVM or VHDL verification environments for FPGA and ASIC systems supporting electronic warfare applications. Create constrained-random, self-checking testbenches, test plans, verification IP, and coverage-driven test strategies. Analyze metrics, improve test effectiveness, contribute to verification methodologies, collaborate with distributed engineering teams, and execute multiple projects to schedule. The role is full-time onsite.
Top Skills:
AsicCadenceFpgaMentor QuestaOvmSystemverilogUvmVhdl
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Own ASIC, FPGA, and SoC verification activities across aerospace programs. Develop SystemVerilog and UVM environments, reusable verification infrastructure, and UVCs; support planning, simulation, debugging, integration, requirements traceability, coverage, metrics-driven closure, and delivery. Lead verification efforts, troubleshoot across RTL and system boundaries, mentor engineers, assess completeness, and coordinate technical workstreams. The role is fully onsite and requires eligibility for a U.S. Secret clearance.
Top Skills:
AsicFpgaRtlSocSystemverilogUvm
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
