FPGA Engineer – High-Speed Optical Communication Systems

Vilnius, Lithuania (Onsite Preferred – EU Remote Available)
EU Citizens Only
Cutting-Edge Satellite Lasercom | ESA/NATO Projects | Real Flight Missions

We’re partnering with one of Europe’s most exciting deep-tech space companies – developing advanced laser communication terminals for satellites, naval platforms, and secure ground systems.

They’re looking for an FPGA Engineer to join their fast-growing, elite engineering team. This role will focus on developing high-throughput, low-latency modems and digital signal processing pipelines that will fly on missions already secured with ESA, NATO, and defense partners.

You’ll contribute directly to the design and verification of space-qualified FPGA-based systems, powering optical terminals that will launch as soon as next year.

Your Role

• Implement signal processing and logic in VHDL or Verilog for FPGA/SoC platforms

• Design, simulate, and optimize high-speed modems and DSP systems

• Develop reusable testbenches and verification environments

• Support timing closure and clock domain crossing (CDC) strategies

• Debug FPGA systems using tools like ILA/ChipScope

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across optics, mechanical, and RF subsystems

• Contribute to both ESA-aligned modem projects and internal IP development

✅ What You Bring

• Strong experience with VHDL (preferred) or Verilog

• Experience creating testbenches in VHDL or SystemVerilog

• Knowledge of CDC methodology and clocking architectures

• Hands-on with timing constraints (SDC) and FPGA debug tools

• Proficiency with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)

• EU Citizenship (due to export and regulatory restrictions)

⭐ Nice to Have

• Experience with Microchip PolarFire FPGA platforms

• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP protocols and FEC/DSP algorithms

• Background in modem development or high-data-rate communication systems

• Scripting in Python or TCL, and use of test frameworks like cocotb

• Ability to interpret hardware schematics and collaborate with PCB/EE teams

Why This Role Is Unique

• Real Flight Hardware: Your work will launch – multiple missions already lined up

• Public + Proprietary Projects: Start with ESA-backed SDA modem, then move to internal designs

• Not Just Hardware: Join a company building a full optical communications ecosystem – terminals, software, and services

• Elite Team: Work with engineers from top European space and laser companies

• Rapid Growth: Backed by VCs, recognized by ESA & NATO, and scaling quickly

• Minimal Bureaucracy, Maximum Impact: You’ll move fast and see your work ship

This is a rare opportunity to work on state-of-the-art space communications – without getting buried in a slow-moving corporate environment. If you’re passionate about FPGAs, optical systems, and building the future of satellite connectivity, let’s talk.

Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.

#fpga #vhdl #opticalcommunications #spacejobs #europeanspace #signalprocessing #dsp #lasercom #nowhiring

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade