FPGA Design Engineer, Senior

OVERVIEW

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic FPGA Design Engineer, Senior who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy FPGA Design Engineer, Senior to develop, program, verify, and optimize configurable and programmable integrated circuits for the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) Portable Life Support System (PLSS).

The AxEMU PLSS contains flight computers, radios, sensors, and network switches that enable communication and control during all aspects of a spacewalk. You will be responsible for developing and programming the FPGA hardware that supports the management of commands, telemetry, and internal data flows, ensuring the suit operates reliably and meets mission objectives. Technical scope grows around that core as you learn the program: interface data checks, FPGA design, test readiness, supplier data intake, and review package preparation.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create reconfigurable digital hardware solutions for embedded control, and high-speed data processing.
• Develop Register Transfer Level code using hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog.
• Conduct timing analysis and optimization for high-performance applications.
• Integrate IP cores and custom logic blocks into cohesive FPGA systems.
• Specify functional, performance, and environmental requirements for FPGA systems.
• Document design decisions, trade studies, and verification plans.
• Provide technical oversight during integration, system-level testing, and acceptance testing.
• Resolve technical issues and ensure the FPGA systems meet all mission-critical performance goals.
• Debug hardware issues on physical FPGA boards using standard lab tools.
• Lead vendor selection and make/buy decisions, balancing technical risk, schedule, cost, and lifecycle support.
• Evaluate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for suitability and reuse potential.
• Communicate progress, status, and issues honestly and early, including when something is not working.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• Level 3: 5 or more years’ experience in hardware description languages and FPGA tools. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience with hardware description languages (VHDL, Verilog) for modeling, simulating, and synthesizing digital systems.
• Familiarity with FPGA tools and platforms (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim) and FPGA board bring-up.
• Ability to implement designs, run simulations, and debug hardware effectively.
• Experience in digital and analog circuit design, including logic gates, flip-flops, multiplexers, and timing analysis.
• Skilled in simulation software (ModelSim, MATLAB, Simulink, Verdi) for virtual design test prior to hardware implementation.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages (TCL, Python) for workflow automation, generating timing constraints, and managing repetitive tasks.
• Experience in embedded systems integration including microcontrollers, sensors, and other embedded components.
• Experience working in a lab setting and proficiency working oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and related lab equipment.
• Clear technical writing, and the ability to produce verification documentation, status material, and review packages that other people can act on.
• Curiosity, initiative, and the willingness to ask a question early rather than deliver a wrong answer late.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment where the answer is often not yet written down.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in integration and test in spacecraft, aerospace, defense, or other high reliability programs.
• Experience with product life cycle and having worked on designs from concept through production.
• Vehicle integration experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with interface control documents, requirements management tools such as Jama or DOORS, or configuration management practice.
• Familiarity with industry or space program standards such as NASA SSRI, IEEE-ISTO-MOSA-IF-S-001, MIL-STD-1553, NASA-STD-7002, or NASA-STD-3001.
• Engineer in Training certification, or progress toward professional certification.

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Core Competencies:

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task. 

Requirements 

• This position may require access to export controlled technical data or technology subject to NASA regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In accordance with U.S. export control laws, final candidates may be required to undergo additional export control screening to determine eligibility for access. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)

• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

• Equipment and Machines

• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.