Turion Space is building spacecraft for national security and in-space operations. From debris removal to space domain awareness to building a more secure space economy, we are a team focused on getting real hardware to orbit fast and scaling capability.

We are looking for a FPGA Engineer to lead RTL design and FPGA development for advanced payloads and spacecraft systems. You will be responsible for implementing image sensor interfaces, RAM buffering, and signal processing on cutting-edge FPGA platforms used in flight hardware.

This is a highly technical, hands-on role ideal for someone with deep FPGA experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited to help architect the next generation of in-space capabilities.

Department: Payload
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Irvine, California
Workplace type: Onsite
Compensation: $175,000 - $225,000 / year
Reporting To

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and verify RTL code for image sensor configuration and high-throughput readout
Develop and optimize RAM buffering techniques for efficient data handling
Implement and optimize signal processing and routing algorithms in RTL
Support RDT&E efforts for advanced space-based payloads
Collaborate with hardware and software teams to define FPGA requirements and system interfaces
Integrate RTL designs onto FPGA/SoC platforms; perform synthesis, place & route, and timing analysis
Lead verification and validation of FPGA-based boards on prototype and flight hardware
Drive system-level FPGA testing and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure system functionality

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience developing HDL for FPGAs in a professional environment
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field
Proficiency in RTL design using VHDL, Verilog, and/or SystemVerilog
Proficiency with FPGA design tools (Xilinx Vivado, Microchip Libero, or similar)
Strong understanding of digital design principles and methodologies
Ability to obtain a Secret and/or TS/SCI security clearance
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet mission-critical deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with high-level synthesis (HLS) tools (e.g. Xilinx Vitis HLS, MATLAB FPGA generator)
Experience with FPGA verification techniques (formal verification, UVM, SystemVerilog assertions)
Familiarity with Xilinx Ultrascale, Zynq MPSoC, Versal, and/or Microchip PolarFire platforms
Strong understanding of FPGA timing, floor planning, and clock domain crossing best practices
Experience with AMBA bus architectures (AXI, AHB, APB) and custom AXI IP design
Experience with high-speed serial interfaces (GbE, PCIe, Aurora, LVDS) and low-speed interfaces (RS422, UART, I2C, SPI)
Familiarity with RAM architectures, efficient buffering techniques, and FLASH interfaces (ONFi)
Experience with image sensors, camera systems, and implementing signal processing algorithms in RTL
Proficiency in C/C++/Python for supporting FPGA build and test automation

ITAR Requirements:
This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan.
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.
Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.
Diverse and Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to support a welcoming and equitable work environment.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department.

About Turion Space

Turion Space was founded with the vision of propelling humanity toward an interplanetary future. To realize this vision, we are developing cutting-edge spacecraft focused on space transport, orbital debris removal, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to ensure ongoing value creation. Our mission centers on advancing spacecraft for low-earth orbit (LEO) and enhancing SDA, which are essential for both current space operations and future interplanetary exploration. By prioritizing high delta-V per dollar, we aim to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness in space transportation. We successfully launched our DROID.001 satellite in June 2023 and DROID.002 in March 2025. DROID.003 is scheduled for launch in 2026.

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