FPGA Intern
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Job Description
About the Company
The company is a rapidly growing and well-funded organization operating in the space technology sector. They have successfully launched five satellites into orbit and secured over ten commercial deals, generating more than $1 billion in revenue. With over $750 million raised from top global investors, they have built a team of over 400 world-class engineers. Their operations are based out of a historic San Francisco office, which served as a ship-building facility during the World Wars.
Their core product involves satellites operating from geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites are remarkably light, weighing only 400 kg, and incorporate a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite is designed to connect over two million people, with significant anticipated impact in regions such as the Philippines, Peru, and Mexico. The company is driven by a mission to connect the world and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace where every individual’s unique perspective is valued. They offer a rewarding environment that encourages learning and provides opportunities for significant impact, backed by substantial funding and a collaborative team.
About the Job: FPGA Intern
The FPGA Intern position is an hourly role designed for students currently enrolled in a four-year university, typically lasting twelve weeks. It offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work on challenging projects within a fast-paced environment. The company prides itself on entrusting interns with significant responsibilities, with many past interns having designed and tested hardware/software destined for space, and a notable number transitioning into full-time employees. If you have already graduated, you should apply for the Associate Engineer role.
Role Responsibilities:
• RTL Development specifically for FPGA targeted applications.
• Working with various FPGAs and their associated toolchains.
• Interfacing FPGAs with a diverse range of peripherals, including high-speed data converters, memories, and MCUs.
• Writing software essential for interfacing with and testing RTL in hardware.
• Engaging in close collaboration with both electrical and software engineers.
Requirements:
• US Citizenship or Green Card is a mandatory legal requirement, with no exceptions permitted, due to U.S. Government space technology export regulations.
• Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or an equivalent field.
• A strong passion for hardware development, demonstrating an eagerness for hands-on design, development, and working in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and testing high throughput systems specifically on FPGAs.
• Proficiency with Verilog/SystemVerilog for synthesis.
• *Note:• The company encourages applications even if candidates do not meet all listed criteria.
Bonus Qualifications:
• Experience with UVM and advanced SystemVerilog verification methodologies.
• Familiarity with Xilinx FPGAs, Vivado IDE, and TCL.
• Understanding of system-level estimates and their implications regarding power, thermal performance, and real estate.
• Experience with high-speed data converters such as ADCs, DACs, and JESD204B.
• Skills in circuit-level debugging.
• Experience with digital communication theory and its implementation, including LDPC implementations.
• Prior experience with space-based systems.
• Experience with modern communication systems (e.g., RF, IF/IQ, time/frequency domains, modulation).
• Expertise in at least one domain beyond just logic design, such as DSP/radio design, software development, or high-reliability (hi-rel) design (e.g., fault analysis & recovery).
Compensation:
The base pay for this position is $29.00 per hour.
Legal & Diversity Note:
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must hold U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or refugee/asylee status. The company emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to apply, believing that diverse perspectives strengthen their team and contribute to their mission of connecting everyone worldwide.
