FPGA Design Engineer

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

As an Electrical/FPGA Engineer, you will focus on design, development, and integration of FPGA-based digital systems for use in spaceborne and high-reliability environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test digital systems using FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx, Microsemi, Intel/Altera) for space applications

• Develop HDL code (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog) for FPGA modules, including simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis

• Design and analyze digital and analog/mixed-signal electrical circuits, including power supplies, sensor interfaces, and communication buses

• Develop hardware schematics and support PCB layout for FPGA-based subsystems

• Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation in lab environments

• Define connector and cable harnessing for space environments

• Integrate FPGAs with embedded processors, sensors, and high-speed interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, LVDS, SpaceWire, Ethernet)

• Contribute to system-level architectural decisions and participate in design reviews

• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, software, and systems teams to ensure cohesive hardware solutions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

• 4–5 5-7 years of relevant experience in electrical and FPGA design

• Proficiency in VHDL or Verilog and FPGA development toolchains (e.g., Vivado, Quartus, Libero)

• Proficient in HDL simulation tools (Modelsim, Vivado Simulator, VCS) and experience developing SystemVerilog-based simulation environments.

• Experience with board-level electrical design, schematic capture, and layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD)

• Familiarity with signal integrity, power distribution, and EMI/EMC best practices

• Strong debugging skills using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers)

• Working knowledge of hardware development for harsh environments (radiation tolerance, thermal constraints)
• Eligible to hold a security clearance

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000