Head of FPGA Engineering
Northwood Space
Location
Torrance, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Engineering
Compensation
- $208K – $304K • Offers Equity
Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive health care, flexible vacation, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.
About Northwood:
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company focused on connecting space and Earth. The world runs on space. Space will run on Northwood. Our global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail.
Role:
As Head of FPGA at Northwood Space, you will be responsible for executing on our ambitious digital roadmap to connect Earth and space. You would own complex projects integrating high-speed signal processing and data transport, while also laying a strong foundation with FPGA best practices and automated infrastructure. As a player-coach, you lead by example and by providing the context and mentorship for team success.
Responsibilities:
Lead: Guide project architecture and work with other teams to nail down interfaces and requirements. Plan and prioritize work for the FPGA team to deliver mission-critical projects on aggressive timelines.
Grow the team: Mentor and develop the existing team, in addition to recruiting new talent to support upcoming projects.
Build strong foundations: Steer the development of FPGA internal processes and infrastructure that allows the team to move rapidly.
Stay Sharp: Dive in as deep as necessary to keep projects moving.
Basic Qualifications:
7-10+ years of professional experience
Demonstrated ability to manage teams and lead complex projects
Experience working on FPGA SoCs like Zynq or similar
Experience with FPGA build systems and automated testing
Experience with DSP and/or networking on FPGA
Expert in SystemVerilog
Proficient in Python
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed
Ability to thrive in a fast paced and demanding start-up atmosphere
Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
In-person in Torrance
Nice to have:
Startup experience
Aerospace experience
Experience with C/C++ or rust
Additional Information:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood 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.
Compensation Range: $208K - $304K