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

What You’ll Bring

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

Salary

The salary range for this role is $173,000 - $196,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.

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.

Taking Care of Our Team

At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.

Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.