Entry-Level FPGA Design Engineer

Job ID: 9533 | Date Posted: September 17, 2026

About the role

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a junior FPGA design engineer to assist with the design, fabrication, test, and support of electronics for telecommunication hardware for space vehicles and sensor payloads in the Civil & Commercial Space (CVS) Division. The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of payload algorithm discernment, development, optimization, and testing, work as part of larger electronics teams (internal and external), and own all aspects of their assigned block of the design from concept to integration and test. This full‑time position is located in Logan, UT.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, test, and support electronics for telecommunication hardware for space vehicles and sensor payloads.
• Develop, optimize, and test payload algorithms.
• Collaborate with internal and external electronics teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Own assigned design blocks from concept through integration and test.
• Perform hands‑on testing and handling of space electronics in a laboratory environment.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other U.S. Person.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical and/or computer engineering.
• Knowledge of basic digital and analog circuits.
• Experience with FPGA design and debugging tools.
• Embedded software experience.
• Ground support equipment and automated test scripting.
• Experience with static timing analysis and timing closure.
• Hands‑on testing and handling of space electronics.

Desired Qualifications

• Expertise with digital communications.
• Expertise with CCD applications and supporting peripherals.
• Experience working on NASA or other U.S. government‑funded projects.
• Master’s degree in a related field.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 – $140,000, commensurate on education and relevant experience. Specific salary details may vary based on role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications.

Benefits

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. (See Benefits Page for details.)

Why Join SDL?

SDL delivers advanced multi‑domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems supports missions for NASA and the Department of Defense. We foster a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability, encouraging open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and ownership.