Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

Company: K2 Space

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Hardware Engineering / Silicon Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development of next-generation communications ASICs through expert FPGA prototyping and silicon bring-up.

• Bridge the critical gap between ASIC design, firmware, software, and overall system integration.

• Own the entire silicon lifecycle, from pre-silicon FPGA platforms enabling early hardware/software development to post-silicon debug and validation.

• Develop and implement robust automated validation infrastructure for silicon characterization and regression testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the intersection of hardware design (FPGA, ASIC) and firmware/software enablement. The emphasis on "bridging the gap" suggests a need for strong cross-functional communication and a holistic understanding of the product development lifecycle in a hardware-intensive environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA-based prototypes to facilitate early ASIC integration, firmware development, and comprehensive system validation.

• Construct robust hardware platforms that empower software and firmware teams to commence development activities well in advance of first silicon availability.

• Provide critical support during first-silicon bring-up, intricate debug processes, and thorough functional validation.

• Engineer and implement automated validation infrastructure essential for precise silicon characterization and efficient regression testing cycles.

• Configure, test, and validate a variety of digital interfaces, including high-speed Ethernet SerDes, SPI, UART, GPIO, and other peripheral interfaces, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

• Design and develop FPGA-based traffic generators, protocol checkers, and specialized test applications specifically for interface validation.

• Masterfully debug issues that span RTL, firmware, software, FPGA prototypes, and silicon using a combination of simulation tools and advanced laboratory instrumentation.

• Foster close collaboration with ASIC Design, Verification, Firmware, Software, Systems, and DFT teams to significantly accelerate overall product development timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, end-to-end ownership of the hardware development process from prototyping to validation. The emphasis on "automated validation infrastructure" and "traffic generators" points to a need for robust testing methodologies and a proactive approach to quality assurance in hardware development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on FPGA development experience, with a strong emphasis on using Verilog/SystemVerilog and proficiency with AMD/Xilinx FPGA tools.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in FPGA development using Verilog/SystemVerilog.

• Proficiency with AMD/Xilinx FPGA tools and methodologies.

• A strong foundational understanding of ASIC development principles and digital system architecture.

• Proven experience with FPGA prototyping specifically for ASIC development workflows.

• Practical experience in firmware/software enablement and hardware bring-up phases.

• Advanced hardware debugging skills utilizing industry-standard tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.

• High proficiency in Python and scripting for automation, test infrastructure development, and data analysis. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with networking, communications, or satellite systems.

• Experience with embedded processors, particularly ARM or RISC-V architectures.

• Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems, including bare-metal programming or RTOS environments.

• Proven experience validating high-speed digital interfaces, specifically including Ethernet and SerDes protocols, SPI, and UART.

• Hands-on experience with silicon bring-up procedures using JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly define a Senior-level role requiring deep technical expertise in FPGA design and a broad understanding of the hardware development ecosystem. The "Nice to Have" section indicates areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves, particularly in specialized domains like satellite systems and real-time embedded environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two distinct projects where you developed FPGA prototypes to enable early ASIC integration or firmware development, detailing the challenges and solutions.

• Provide examples of automated test scripts or infrastructure you've built using Python or other scripting languages to validate hardware interfaces or silicon functionality.

• Include documentation or diagrams illustrating your approach to hardware debugging, highlighting the tools and methodologies used to resolve complex issues.

• Demonstrate experience with the complete lifecycle of a hardware component, from initial bring-up to full validation, with a focus on efficiency and reliability improvements. Process Documentation:

• Document your methodology for developing FPGA prototypes, including RTL design, synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure specific to prototyping needs.

• Illustrate your process for developing firmware/software enablement on pre-silicon platforms, detailing the interaction with hardware teams and the validation steps.

• Detail your approach to silicon bring-up, including the systematic steps for initial power-on, interface checks, and functional testing, emphasizing debug strategies.

• Outline your process for creating and maintaining automated validation infrastructure, including test case development, execution, and reporting for ASIC characterization and regression.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on tangible projects, automation capabilities, and a structured approach to debugging and validation, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of silicon development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base salary range for this role is $120,000 to $225,000 annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is competitive for a Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer in a high-cost-of-living area like Seattle, WA, especially within the aerospace/space technology sector, which often commands a premium for specialized engineering talent. The provided range reflects typical compensation for individuals with 5-10 years of experience and advanced technical skills in FPGA and ASIC development. Factors such as specific depth of experience, advanced degrees, and unique skill sets (e.g., satellite systems expertise) could place an individual at the higher end of this spectrum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive paid time off (PTO) to ensure work-life balance.

• Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Life insurance to provide financial security.

• Paid parental leave to support new parents.

• Significant equity in K2 Space, offering a stake in the company's growth and success.

• Numerous other perks designed to enhance the employee experience.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While standard hours are noted, roles in fast-paced, groundbreaking startups like K2 Space often involve periods of intense work to meet critical project deadlines, especially around launch windows or silicon bring-up phases. Flexibility and a commitment to project success are often implicit expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Satellite Technology. K2 Space is at the forefront of developing large, high-power satellites, aiming to revolutionize capabilities across various orbits, from LEO to deep space. The company is backed by significant investment and has secured substantial contracts, indicating strong market validation and ambitious growth plans.

Company Size: K2 Space is a rapidly growing Series C startup. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the funding and contract volume suggest a dynamic, scaling organization that is likely past the early startup phase and moving towards mass production and operational deployment.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated but the company's trajectory, Series C funding, and multiple launches planned for 2026-2027 indicate a company with established momentum and a clear vision for the future.

Team Structure:

• The operations team, including hardware engineering, is likely structured to support rapid product development and scaling. Expect a collaborative environment with specialized sub-teams (e.g., ASIC Design, FPGA Prototyping, Firmware, Systems Integration).

• Reporting structures will likely be relatively flat to facilitate quick decision-making, with senior engineers playing key roles in guiding technical direction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, with engineers working closely with teams across design, verification, firmware, software, and systems to ensure seamless integration and product success. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implicit in engineering complex systems like satellites, with a strong reliance on simulation, testing, and performance analysis.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be critical for managing the development lifecycle of complex hardware, from initial design to mass production.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be essential, particularly in areas like test infrastructure, regression testing, and silicon validation, to accelerate development cycles and ensure product quality.

Company Website: k2space.com (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: K2 Space is positioned as an ambitious, well-funded leader in the next generation of satellite technology. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and focused on achieving significant technological milestones. This requires engineers who are adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working in a high-stakes environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a need for significant technical expertise, independent problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. The responsibilities suggest ownership of critical development phases, making this a pivotal role within the hardware engineering function.

Reporting Structure: The Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Director of Hardware Engineering. Collaboration will extend across multiple engineering disciplines, requiring effective communication with peers and leads in ASIC Design, Firmware, Software, and Systems Engineering.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on K2 Space's ability to deliver its next-generation communications ASICs and, consequently, its high-power satellite platforms. Successful FPGA prototyping, silicon bring-up, and validation are foundational to the product's performance, reliability, and time-to-market, directly influencing the company's mission to "Build Bigger" and achieve its ambitious goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced FPGA architectures, high-speed digital interfaces, or silicon bring-up methodologies, becoming a go-to expert within the company.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Technical Lead or Architect role, guiding complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and influencing technical strategy for future ASIC designs.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Expand knowledge into firmware, software, or systems engineering domains through close collaboration, enabling a broader understanding of the product development lifecycle and potential for broader roles.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a key role in developing revolutionary satellite technology, contributing to the company's mission and potentially shaping the future of space-based communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior title, coupled with the critical nature of the responsibilities, positions this role for significant growth. K2 Space's ambitious vision and rapid scaling offer ample opportunities for engineers to take on more responsibility, develop specialized expertise, and advance into leadership positions within a cutting-edge industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: K2 Space operates in a standard office environment typical for technology and aerospace companies. Given the nature of the work, it will likely include dedicated lab spaces equipped with advanced instrumentation for hardware development and testing.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Seattle, WA, a hub for technology and aerospace innovation. This location offers access to a skilled talent pool and a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be designed to foster collaboration, with engineers likely sitting near their respective teams (e.g., hardware engineers together, firmware engineers together) to facilitate communication.

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and potentially specialized FPGA development boards, will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (ASIC Design, Firmware, Software, Systems) will be frequent, encouraging a holistic approach to product development.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, likely with flexibility for engineers to manage their time effectively, especially given the demands of hardware development and debugging. Project deadlines and critical milestones may require focused effort and potentially extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at a startup like K2 Space is typically dynamic and fast-paced. Engineers should expect a collaborative culture, access to cutting-edge tools, and a focus on achieving ambitious project goals. The Seattle location provides access to a strong engineering talent pool and related industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in K2 Space.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect multiple rounds of technical interviews focusing on FPGA design, Verilog/SystemVerilog, ASIC fundamentals, hardware debugging, and scripting. These may include whiteboard sessions, coding challenges, and discussions of past projects.

• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, technical challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Be ready to walk through schematics, code snippets, and explain your design decisions.

• System/Cross-Functional Interview: This round may involve discussing your experience collaborating with firmware, software, or systems teams, assessing your ability to integrate hardware with other components.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with the team's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in FPGA prototyping, ASIC bring-up, and hardware debugging. Prioritize projects with demonstrable impact and complexity.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific contributions, the technical challenges encountered, the solutions implemented (highlighting your design choices), and the quantifiable results or outcomes.

• Highlight Automation: Emphasize any automation scripts, test infrastructure, or tools you developed to streamline the validation process and improve efficiency.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about your design choices, debugging methodologies, and trade-offs made during development.

• Showcase Collaboration: If applicable, describe how you collaborated with other teams (firmware, software, verification) and the impact of that collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• FPGA Design Fundamentals: Brush up on Verilog/SystemVerilog syntax, synthesis concepts, timing analysis, and common FPGA architectural elements.

• Hardware Debugging: Review common debugging techniques using JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers. Understand how to interpret waveforms and debug complex logic issues.

• Scripting & Automation: Practice writing Python scripts for tasks like test automation, data parsing, or controlling lab equipment.

• ASIC Lifecycle: Understand the general flow of ASIC development, including the role of FPGA prototyping and silicon bring-up.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to tackle hypothetical engineering problems related to hardware design, debugging, or system integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical depth and practical application of skills. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates hands-on experience with FPGA prototyping, silicon bring-up, and automation is critical for success. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their thought processes and technical decisions clearly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• FPGA Development: AMD/Xilinx Vivado or ISE (depending on the specific FPGA family used). Expertise in synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and bitstream generation.

• Hardware Description Languages: Verilog and SystemVerilog are essential for RTL design and verification.

• Simulation Tools: Potentially industry-standard simulators like Cadence Xcelium, Synopsys VCS, or Mentor Graphics QuestaSim for RTL simulation and verification.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Python Libraries: Proficiency with libraries like NumPy and SciPy for data analysis, and potentially Pandas for data manipulation.

• Test Automation Frameworks: Experience with or ability to develop custom frameworks for automated testing and data logging.

• Data Visualization: Familiarity with tools or libraries (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn in Python) for visualizing test results and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Git is standard for code management and collaboration.

• Scripting for Automation: Python is explicitly mentioned for automation, test infrastructure, and potentially controlling lab equipment.

• Debugging Tools: JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers (e.g., Keysight, Tektronix, Saleae), and protocol analyzers (e.g., for Ethernet, SPI).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on FPGA design tools, hardware description languages, and robust debugging instrumentation. Python is a key requirement for automation, underscoring the need for engineers to be proficient in developing efficient testing and validation workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Ambition: A drive to push boundaries and develop groundbreaking technology in the space sector, exemplified by building the largest satellites.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve complex engineering goals, essential for integrating hardware, firmware, and software.

• Excellence & Rigor: A commitment to high standards in design, development, and testing, ensuring the reliability and performance of critical space hardware.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, adapting to changing priorities and rapidly iterating on designs.

• Impact & Ownership: A culture where individuals are empowered to take ownership of their work and make significant contributions to the company's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Engineers are expected to work closely with ASIC designers, verification engineers, firmware developers, and software engineers, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is vital to identify and resolve issues early in the development cycle, especially between hardware and firmware/software teams.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights and best practices, potentially through design reviews, internal presentations, or documentation, to elevate the entire engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: K2 Space's culture is shaped by its ambitious mission and its status as a rapidly growing startup. Engineers should anticipate a collaborative, fast-paced environment where innovation, technical excellence, and strong teamwork are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Development Cycles: Meeting aggressive timelines for ASIC development and satellite deployment requires efficient prototyping and validation processes.

• Complexity of High-Power Satellites: Designing and validating hardware for extreme space environments and high-power systems presents unique engineering challenges.

• Bridging Hardware and Software: Ensuring seamless integration and debugging across FPGA prototypes, silicon, firmware, and software requires deep cross-disciplinary understanding.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with the latest advancements in FPGA technology, high-speed interfaces, and space-grade components.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Gain hands-on experience with advanced FPGA technologies, high-speed communication protocols, and novel satellite systems.

• Industry Leadership: Opportunity to contribute to industry-defining projects and work alongside leading experts in the aerospace and semiconductor fields.

• Skill Expansion: Develop expertise in areas beyond core FPGA design, such as embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and advanced hardware debugging techniques.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from and mentor other engineers, fostering personal and professional growth within a dynamic team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant technical challenges and growth potential, particularly for engineers passionate about space technology and cutting-edge hardware development. Overcoming these challenges will provide invaluable experience and career advancement opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex FPGA prototype you developed for ASIC enablement. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your design process, problem-solving, and technical rationale).

• "Walk me through your process for bringing up first silicon. What are the critical steps, potential pitfalls, and how do you use tools like JTAG and oscilloscopes?" (Highlight your systematic approach and debugging methodology).

• "How do you approach developing automated validation infrastructure for hardware? Provide an example of a script or framework you've built." (Demonstrate your scripting skills and understanding of efficient testing). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in K2 Space and our mission to build larger satellites?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's vision and your enthusiasm for the space industry).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with firmware or software engineers on a hardware project. What were the dynamics, and how did you ensure successful integration?" (Highlight your cross-functional communication and teamwork skills).

• "How do you ensure the reliability and performance of hardware under demanding conditions, such as those in space?" (Connect your technical expertise to the specific requirements of the company's products). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly state the purpose and goals of each project you present.

• Detail Your Role: Be specific about your individual contributions and responsibilities.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Use diagrams, code snippets (if appropriate), and highlight key design decisions and trade-offs.

• Quantify Impact: Present any measurable results, such as performance improvements, time savings from automation, or successful validation metrics.

• Explain Debugging Process: For complex issues, walk through your systematic approach to identifying and resolving problems.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a clear, concise, and compelling delivery within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical prowess in FPGA and ASIC development but also their ability to apply these skills in a practical, problem-solving context. The interview will assess their understanding of the entire hardware development lifecycle and their capacity for cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the K2 Space careers portal ([link to greenhouse job board]).

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experience with FPGA prototyping, ASIC bring-up, Verilog/SystemVerilog, Python scripting for automation, and hardware debugging tools. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "reduced bring-up time by X%", "developed automated test suite covering Y features").

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in FPGA development, ASIC enablement, and hardware validation. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on your role, technical challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research K2 Space: Understand their mission, technology, recent funding, and market position. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their ambitious goals and fast-paced environment.

• Practice technical questions: Review fundamental FPGA design concepts, Verilog/SystemVerilog, ASIC development flow, and hardware debugging techniques. Prepare to discuss your approach to solving complex engineering problems.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.