FPGA RF Signal Processing Engineer

About the role

Muon Space seeks a talented FPGA Engineer with RF processing Expertise to join our High Performance Compute (HPC) team. In this role, you will implement HDL/RTL for digital signal processing of RF systems on FPGAs, and design and optimize these algorithms. You'll work at the intersection of RF theory, algorithm development, software defined radio (SDR), and high performance digital FPGA design to deliver high-performance wireless communication and RF sensing products. If you thrive on complex challenges in a dynamic startup environment and want to build the future of Earth observation, we want to hear from you. This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize RF processing algorithms on FPGAs for real-time execution; support algorithm prototyping and modelling and porting to ARM FPGA-SoCs
• Design, simulate, implement and integrate DSP and modulation algorithms for RF applications (Communications, ESM, Radar, etc.)
• Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration routines, and system integration, and team up with other software departments
• Author technical documentation, design specifications, and test reports

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in FPGA development of RF algorithms and translating prototype algorithms into FPGA implementations
• Experience with general RF digital signal processing techniques in some of the following areas: spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, modulation/demodulation, filtering, channel estimation, equalization, synchronization, AGC, DPD, etc.
• Profound expertise in RTL/HDL (Verilog / System Verilog / VHDL) and FPGA system architecture and design flows
• Ability to work with a distributed, interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers, data support, etc.)
• Familiarity with modern software development tooling and best practices
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in systems analysis, troubleshooting and design, with a strong understanding of the interplays between hardware and software
• Experience working with a distributed team of developers across multiple groups and departments
• Familiarity with Xilinx/AMD RFSoC or MPSoC
• Proficiency in C/C++ or Rust for embedded and real-time systems
• Experience with Python-based development and analysis
• Familiarity with FPGA-based DSP techniques DPD (Digital Predistortion), beamforming, MIMO, or radar signal processing
• Communications: Modulation schemes (QAM, OFDM, FSK), channel coding, multirate signal processing, and adaptive filtering
• RF concepts: mixers, PLLs, ADCs/DACs, IQ imbalance, frequency planning, link budgets
• Calibration algorithms (DC offset, IQ correction, LO leakage)
• Experience working on space-based applications
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for embedded firmware
• Proficient with version control (Git), debugging tools (JTAG, GDB), and lab instrumentation

Skills

• A systems-level mindset that connects RF physics, DSP mathematics, and FPGA implementation
• Strong analytical and debugging skills for solving RF/FPGA hardware bugs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Pay

The salary range for this role is $173,000 - $196,000, plus a competitive equity grant.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Short & long term disability and life insurance
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees
• 12 paid holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Paid parental leave

About Muon Space

Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

Schedule

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.