Your space-enabled career begins here

POSITION TITLE: FPGA Firmware Engineer

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

REPORTS TO: VP of Engineering

DATE OF JOB POSTING: June 19, 2025

CLOSE OF APPLICATIONS: July 1, 2025

LOCATION: On-site in Boulder, Colorado, or hybrid with an expectation of 8-10 business days in office each month, as projects require.

**Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor an employment visa at this time.**

Company Introduction

Weather Stream is pioneering commercial satellite meteorology through innovative space-based remote sensing and data science. Driven by a commitment to be a force for good, our core focus is providing critical weather data that enables risk management and effective planning for extreme weather events. By delivering these insights, we help governments, businesses, and communities make more informed decisions. We operate on a sustainable model, committed to technological advancement and delivering maximum value through our data products and solutions.

Why Weather Stream? At Weather Stream, we're invested in your growth. We foster a supportive culture grounded in open dialogue and transparency, believing that collaboration helps us navigate challenges and enables both collective and individual development. We extend this collaborative spirit globally, engaging with customers, partners and communities to understand their needs and contribute meaningful solutions.

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. Other duties may be assigned:

JOB SUMMARY

Weather Stream is seeking a skilled, mid-level engineer to perform digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm implementation in adaptive SoC devices (focused on Xilinx Versal series). This team member will be involved in all aspects of FPGA firmware development, including architecture design, simulation, implementation, timing closure, and testing. To be successful in this role, one should have experience in developing firmware for AMD (Xilinx) platforms, as well as a deep understanding of FPGA development languages and DSP algorithm development. Although this role involves development of AI Engine firmware for Versal devices, no prior experience with AIE/Versal development is required and training in AI Engine firmware for Versal devices will be provided.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Design and develop custom FPGA firmware and AI Engine kernels to meet the needs of Weather Stream contracts, products, and customers.

1. Develop firmware requirements in coordination with systems engineering, hardware engineering, software engineering, and subsystem owners.

1. Perform development of DSP algorithms including initial modeling, simulation, implementation, validation, and optimization.

1. Implement firmware for adaptive SoC devices using a combination of RTL and AI Engine technologies.

1. Perform verification using techniques such as Simulation / Co-Simulation using tools such as Vivado Simulator (UVM, Coverage)

1. Author tests, and provides documentation, and participates in design reviews.

1. Contribute to system design, design reviews, and support of solutions

1. Skillfully and professionally communicate and collaborate across departments

1. Help to define and prioritize projects that help us meet organizational objectives

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Required:

1. You have deep understanding of digital logic design, digital signal processing, and FPGA architecture. Prior experience with AI Engine Development/Versal is not required, but please call it out in your application comments if you possess this background.

1. Experience with high-throughput DSP algorithm implementation, including high level algorithm evaluation, RTL implementation, and optimization for resource utilization and throughput.

1. Experience with Xilinx Adaptive SoC / FPGA Toolchains (Vivado / Vitis)

1. Experience with systems programming languages such as C / C++, and hardware design languages such as VHDL / Verilog or HLS

1. Experience developing complex RTL sub-modules in an FPGA, developing test benches for simulation at a module level, and designing FPGA/Firmware functional block diagrams for design review prior code development.

1. Proficiently compile, route, analyze, and test FPGA designs in hardware, configuring FPGA internal logic analyzers, and proficiently use test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.
   

Not required, but call it out in your application if you also have experience with...

While the preferred qualifications listed below represent qualities we believe will help someone succeed in this role, they are not required. We know that talent comes in many forms and that people may develop relevant skills through a variety of experiences, both professional and personal.

If you meet the required qualifications and are enthusiastic about the opportunity, we strongly encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box under the preferred qualifications. Your unique perspective and lived experience may be just what we’re looking for.

1. Experience with: AMD Versal, Ultrascale, MPSoC, RFSoC, and Zynq.

1. Experience with Versal Development (AI Engine Development / Optimization),

1. Experience with embedded systems, hardware + software engineering background, with the ability to use standard coding practices to develop software for embedded processes

WHO YOU ARE

• You are a highly motivated, self-starting individual with a broad set of skills and not afraid of facing complex technical challenges

• You are a solution-oriented individual with a strong analytical mindset

• You can adapt quickly or propose changes needed to achieve early results in a timely fashion

• You embrace challenges and take commitments and deliver results within reasonable expectations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment as a positive team player.
  

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

1. B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering in a relevant engineering discipline.

1. 5+ years of experience, or demonstrated knowledge of requirements for the position
   
   
   

CERTIFICATES, SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, WORK AUTHORIZATION



No security clearance required.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Ability to sit for an extended period of time, up to 8 hours per day.

1. Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

1. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

1. Normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment varies between quiet and moderate.

1. We have an on-site laboratory in which chemicals such as nitrogen are used, and it is appropriate to take all safety precautions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a competitive base salary of $115,000 to $150,000, with total compensation typically providing an additional $40,000 to $50,000 in value through benefits, bonuses, and equity. This brings the overall annual total compensation range to approximately $155,000 to $200,000, depending on experience and eligibility.

Our total rewards package includes:

• Stock options that offer long-term ownership and upside

• Annual bonus potential tied to company and individual performance

• Merit-based salary increases

• 401(k) match up to 4%

• Healthcare reimbursement plan

• Unlimited discretionary paid time off, plus paid holidays, sick time, and volunteer days

• $5,250/year in professional development support

• $1,200/year ($100/month) wellness reimbursement

• Monthly stipends for internet and phone service

• Complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning

• Vacation incentive pay up to $1,000/year

We’re committed to supporting your growth, wellbeing, and financial future—while giving you the flexibility to thrive.

ITAR/EAR REQUIREMENTS

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylum as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

EEO STATEMENT

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. For more information, please visit www.eeco.gov.

If you require assistance to complete this application, please contact the Chief Administrative Operations Officer, Sarah Silvas, at hr@weatherstream.com