Embedded Firmware & FPGA Test Engineer

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role & Team 

We are looking for a talented embedded firmware (FW) and FPGA Engineer to verify and test our System-on-Chip (SoC) designs for our spacecrafts as part of our experienced team. Targeting the AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC, this role requires the knowledge of embedded programming languages, such as C/C++ and close collaboration with the spacecraft software engineering and test teams to develop and automate tests for different configurations, from unit to system test. 

The successful candidate will have experience designing, conducting, and analyzing tests for and with SoCs. These tests range from small unit tests of a SoC internal module to system tests using RF test equipment including FPGA fabric, processor, Linux-based operating system, continuous integration. These development tests will be transferred to production by creating procedures.  

You will be involved in a variety of tasks including debug, SoC design change, hardware bring-up, test, and test support of our current systems.  

This is your chance to work with, and test high-reliability and cutting-edge System-on-Chips and algorithms deployed in our operational and future satellites! 

Role Responsibilities 

• Design, conduct, analyze, and automate tests for SoC designs 
• HDL simulation, HW debug with integrated test logic, and SW-driven system test 
• Interface the programable logic with the processor system 
• Improve test coverage of SoC design for unit and regression testing 
• Develop test scripts/applications for the Linux OS (Yocto) in Python 
• Develop test software for the processing system (PS) in C/C++ 
• Develop HDL test benches for the programmable logic (PL) in SystemVerilog 
• Extend continuous integration (CI) by unit, module, and HW tests 
• Transition development tests into production by creating and documenting repeatable test procedures 
• Develop, document, and execute tests involving SoCs for manufacturing 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and product reliability 
• Opportunity to specialize in SoC design (embedded FW and/or HDL) 
• Work with both hardware and software engineers to verify system requirements 
• Work with project managers to organize and plan the system test effort 

Qualifications 

• 2-3 years of experience working with SoCs (programmable logic and processing system) 
• Experience writing embedded FW (C/C++ preferred) 
• Experience planning, writing, and automating tests using a scripting language (Python, bash, etc.) 
• Knowledge of Linux-based operating systems including boot loader 
• Knowledge of FPGA fabric and interfacing to the processor (AXI) 
• Basic knowledge of HDL (SystemVerilog preferred) 
• Experience with SoC development tools (Vitis/Vivado preferred) 
• Experience using revision control software (Git preferred) 
• Comfortable using lab test equipment 

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of Yocto build system
• Experience with Gitlab CI/CD 
• Experience with Docker 
• Experience with HDL simulation tools (Questasim/Modelsim preferred) 
• Experience with UVM 
• Experience designing for space environments is a plus 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $96,000 - $127,000. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy 
• Lifestyle Spending Account 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly Phone Stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens. 
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!