Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

Company: K2 Space

Location: United States - Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering - Hardware/FPGA

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-Based)

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Serve as a critical bridge between ASIC design, firmware, software, and system integration teams to ensure seamless product development.

• Own the end-to-end silicon lifecycle, from pre-silicon FPGA platforms that enable early hardware/software integration to post-silicon debug and validation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically focused on hardware and FPGA engineering within the space technology sector, emphasizing the critical path of ASIC development from initial prototyping to silicon validation. This is a senior-level position requiring deep technical expertise and the ability to influence product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 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 cycles prior to first silicon availability.

• Provide critical support for first-silicon bring-up activities, including debug, functional validation, and performance characterization.

• Design and implement automated validation infrastructure for efficient silicon characterization and rigorous regression testing.

• Configure, test, and validate a wide array of digital interfaces, including high-speed Ethernet SerDes, SPI, UART, GPIO, and other peripheral interfaces.

• Develop advanced FPGA-based traffic generators, protocol checkers, and specialized test applications for thorough interface validation.

• Systematically debug complex issues that span RTL, firmware, software, FPGA prototypes, and silicon using simulation tools and laboratory instrumentation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are heavily weighted towards hands-on hardware development, system-level integration, and problem-solving across the entire silicon development pipeline. The emphasis on "early hardware/software integration" and "before first silicon" highlights the proactive and foundational nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in FPGA development, with a strong track record of successful project delivery.

• Demonstrated experience in ASIC development methodologies and a solid understanding of digital system architecture.

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

• Hands-on experience with firmware/software enablement and critical hardware bring-up processes.

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

• Strong proficiency in Python and other scripting languages essential for automation, test infrastructure development, and data analysis. Required Skills:

• FPGA Development: Extensive experience with FPGA design, implementation, and verification using Verilog and/or SystemVerilog.

• FPGA Tools: Proficiency with AMD/Xilinx FPGA development tools (e.g., Vivado, ISE).

• ASIC Architecture: Deep understanding of ASIC design principles, digital logic, and system-level architecture.

• Hardware Debugging: Advanced skills in debugging hardware designs using JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.

• Scripting for Automation: Strong programming skills in Python for test automation, workflow scripting, and data manipulation.

• Digital System Architecture: Comprehensive knowledge of digital logic design, state machines, and system integration principles.

• Firmware Enablement: Experience in supporting or developing firmware for embedded systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Networking & Communications: Experience with networking protocols, communications systems, or satellite systems.

• Embedded Processors: Familiarity with embedded processors such as ARM or RISC-V.

• Real-Time Embedded Systems: Experience with hard real-time embedded systems, including bare-metal programming or Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

• High-Speed Digital Interfaces: Proven experience validating high-speed digital interfaces like Ethernet, SerDes protocols, SPI, and UART.

• Silicon Bring-up: Practical experience with silicon bring-up procedures, including the use of JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep FPGA expertise, fundamental ASIC understanding, and practical hardware debugging capabilities. The preference for networking and embedded systems experience aligns with the company's focus on advanced satellite communications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful FPGA prototyping projects for ASIC development or complex hardware system integration.

• Include examples of Verilog/SystemVerilog code snippets or descriptions of architectural designs that highlight efficiency, modularity, and robust design principles.

• Provide evidence of experience in developing automated test benches or validation frameworks, with clear metrics on efficiency gains or bug detection rates.

• Demonstrate proficiency in hardware debugging, ideally with examples of complex issues resolved using laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.

• Present examples of scripts (preferably Python) used for automation, data analysis, or test infrastructure management. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to developing and maintaining FPGA designs, including version control, synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure strategies.

• Outline your methodology for firmware enablement and hardware bring-up, emphasizing steps taken to de-risk and accelerate the process.

• Describe your experience with developing and executing validation plans for digital interfaces and overall system functionality.

• Illustrate your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (ASIC Design, Verification, Software, Systems) to ensure alignment and efficient problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior hardware engineering role, a portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to translate complex requirements into functional hardware prototypes and to efficiently debug and validate silicon. Focus on demonstrating impact through metrics and clear problem-solution narratives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 – $225,000 per year

Equity: Significant equity in the company is included with this role.

Explanation of Range: This range is determined by the company's assessment of market rates for Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineers with the specified experience level and skillset, combined with the strategic importance of this role within a rapidly growing space technology startup. Factors such as depth of technical expertise in Verilog/SystemVerilog, ASIC prototyping, silicon bring-up, and automation scripting will influence placement within the range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.

• Financial Security: Life insurance coverage.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave.

• Long-Term Incentive: Equity in the company, aligning employee success with K2 Space's growth.

• Additional Perks: Various other benefits and perks designed to support employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Given the remote nature and the fast-paced startup environment, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level hardware engineering role in the US, particularly within the high-demand aerospace and technology sectors. The inclusion of equity is a significant component for a startup at this stage. The remote status extends the talent pool beyond a single geographic location, influencing the salary benchmark.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense / Satellite Technology / Communications Infrastructure

Company Size: Series C startup, indicating rapid growth and a dynamic team structure. Likely between 50-200 employees, with a significant increase anticipated.

Founded: K2 Space was founded to capitalize on the advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicles, aiming to build larger, more capable satellites. This positions them as a disruptor in the space industry.

Team Structure:

• The FPGA Prototyping Engineer will likely be part of the core hardware engineering or ASIC development team.

• This team will be highly collaborative, working closely with ASIC design engineers, verification engineers, firmware developers, software engineers, and systems architects.

• Reporting structure will likely be to an Engineering Manager or Director of Hardware Engineering, with direct interaction with senior leadership given the startup environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: Emphasis on using data from simulations, prototypes, and early silicon to inform design decisions and drive efficiency.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: The fast-paced nature of a startup, especially in space technology, necessitates agile development cycles, rapid prototyping, and iterative refinement.

• Automation Focus: A strong drive towards automating testing, validation, and deployment processes to accelerate development timelines and improve reliability.

Company Website: https://k2space.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: K2 Space is operating in a cutting-edge, high-stakes industry. The culture is expected to be fast-paced, innovative, and demanding, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, collaboration, and achieving ambitious goals. The "Building Bigger" slogan reflects their core mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC). This role is for an experienced engineer who is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor junior engineers, and drive technical direction within their domain.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to an Engineering Manager or Director of Hardware/Silicon Engineering. Will work closely with peers across ASIC design, verification, firmware, and software.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to deliver its next-generation satellite platforms. Success in FPGA prototyping and silicon bring-up is foundational to the entire product development timeline, directly influencing launch readiness, performance capabilities, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced FPGA architectures, high-speed interfaces, and silicon validation techniques. Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific areas.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers, lead technical initiatives, and potentially transition into a team lead or technical management role as the company scales.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience across the entire product development lifecycle, from RTL design through to system-level integration and deployment in space.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to groundbreaking advancements in space technology and participate in projects that have significant national and commercial implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role in a growing startup, the opportunities for both technical and leadership growth are substantial. The candidate will be instrumental in shaping the company's hardware development capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote, with the expectation of operating within US time zones.

Office Location(s): Remote within the United States. This allows for flexibility in location but requires strong self-discipline and communication.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, strong emphasis on virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, shared documentation platforms) to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art FPGA development tools, simulation environments, lab equipment (via remote access or potentially shared facilities if needed), and cloud-based development resources.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual stand-ups, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions with the broader engineering team.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline.

• The dynamic nature of a startup, especially in the space industry with launch schedules, may necessitate occasional work outside standard hours to meet critical deadlines. Proactive time management and clear communication of availability are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires candidates to be highly self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills. The company's success hinges on effective virtual collaboration and the ability of remote team members to contribute effectively without direct physical proximity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview 1 (FPGA/Verilog): In-depth discussion on FPGA design principles, Verilog/SystemVerilog proficiency, synthesis, timing, and common FPGA development challenges. Expect to discuss specific projects.

• Technical Interview 2 (ASIC/System/Debug): Focus on ASIC development lifecycle, digital system architecture, firmware/software interaction, and hardware debugging methodologies. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: Presentation of selected portfolio projects, focusing on problem definition, technical approach, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Discussion on team dynamics, collaboration style, career aspirations, and how the candidate fits within the existing team structure.

• Final Interview (Potentially with Senior Leadership): High-level discussion on strategic thinking, impact, and alignment with K2 Space's mission and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your expertise in FPGA prototyping for ASIC development, silicon bring-up, and hardware validation.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the technical challenges, your proposed solution (including design choices and trade-offs), the tools and methodologies used, and the outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Highlight Key Technologies: Explicitly mention your experience with Verilog/SystemVerilog, AMD/Xilinx tools, Python scripting, and debugging equipment (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be prepared to walk through complex debugging scenarios and explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduced bring-up time, improved test coverage, performance gains).

Challenge Preparation:

• FPGA Design Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing specific modules, handling timing constraints, or optimizing resource utilization for a given requirement.

• Debugging Scenarios: Prepare to explain how you would debug a failure in a high-speed interface, a firmware-hardware interaction issue, or a discrepancy between simulation and hardware.

• Automation Strategy: Discuss how you would build an automated test infrastructure for ASIC validation, including test plan development and tool selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical depth, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute effectively in a fast-paced, remote environment. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating hands-on capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• FPGA Design Suite: AMD/Xilinx Vivado (or older ISE) for synthesis, implementation, and bitstream generation.

• HDL Languages: Verilog and SystemVerilog for RTL design and testbench development.

• Simulation Tools: Synopsys VCS, Cadence Xcelium, or Mentor Graphics QuestaSim for RTL and gate-level simulation.

• Scripting & Automation: Python for test automation, data analysis, scripting utility functions, and potentially interacting with hardware APIs.

• Version Control: Git (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) for source code management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Python libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) for analyzing simulation results, test logs, and characterization data.

• Reporting: Tools for generating test reports and summarizing validation results.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management/Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Zoom for task management, documentation, and communication.

• Build Automation: Makefiles or similar scripting for managing compilation and simulation flows.

Hardware Debugging & Test Equipment:

• Debug Interfaces: JTAG interfaces and associated tools.

• Measurement Instruments: Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analyzers (e.g., Keysight, Tektronix, Saleae).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the AMD/Xilinx toolchain and Verilog/SystemVerilog is non-negotiable. Strong Python skills for automation are also critical. Experience with common simulation tools and hardware debug equipment is essential for the bring-up and validation phases.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push boundaries in space technology, demanding high standards of engineering quality and creative problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork are vital, especially in a remote setting, to overcome complex technical challenges.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from conception to completion, demonstrating a commitment to delivering results.

• Speed & Agility: The ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements and iterate rapidly to meet ambitious timelines.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Relying on empirical evidence from simulations, prototypes, and testing to guide engineering choices.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First: Highly reliant on digital communication tools and proactive engagement to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers are expected to work seamlessly with teams across different disciplines (ASIC, firmware, software, systems) to achieve integrated product success.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to improve designs, processes, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design reviews, documentation, and informal discussions to disseminate knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at K2 Space is likely a blend of the intense focus required for space technology development and the dynamic, fast-paced environment of a well-funded startup. Engineers who thrive in such settings, are self-starters, and excel at remote collaboration will be most successful.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Development Cycles: Meeting aggressive timelines for ASIC development and satellite launches requires efficient design, validation, and debugging.

• Complex System Integration: Ensuring seamless interaction between FPGA prototypes, ASICs, firmware, and software in a novel satellite platform.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively contributing to and collaborating on complex hardware projects without being co-located.

• Early-Stage Technology: Working with cutting-edge technologies where established best practices may still be evolving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced FPGA & ASIC Techniques: Immersion in the latest FPGA architectures, advanced verification methodologies, and ASIC design flows.

• Space Systems Engineering: Gaining deep insights into the unique challenges and requirements of designing hardware for space environments (radiation, thermal, vacuum).

• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Developing a broader understanding of firmware, software, and systems engineering principles.

• Industry Leadership: Opportunity to contribute to a company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry, with potential for significant career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a high-growth, cutting-edge technology startup. These challenges also represent significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you faced a significant challenge during FPGA prototyping or silicon bring-up. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, systematic debugging, and impact.)

• "How would you design an FPGA prototype to enable early firmware development for a complex communication ASIC? What key interfaces would you prioritize and why?" (Assess architectural thinking and understanding of hardware-software co-design.)

• "Imagine a critical interface fails during first silicon bring-up. Walk me through your debugging process, detailing the tools and methodologies you would employ." (Evaluate debugging methodology and tool proficiency.)

• "How do you ensure your FPGA code is robust, maintainable, and meets timing requirements?" (Probe into design best practices and tool usage.)

• "Discuss your experience with Python scripting for automation in hardware development. Provide an example of a script you've written that significantly improved efficiency." (Highlight automation skills and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why K2 Space? What excites you about our mission and the opportunity to work on large satellites?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with company goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a remote engineering team, especially when dealing with complex technical disagreements?" (Assess communication and teamwork skills in a remote context.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you maintain productivity and focus in a remote setting." (Understand self-management and work style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly state the objective of the project and the problem it solved.

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

• Explain the "How": Describe the technical approach, design choices, tools used, and any trade-offs considered.

• Showcase the "What": Present key design elements, simulation results, and hardware validation findings. Use diagrams and code snippets where appropriate.

• Quantify the "Impact": Emphasize the results achieved, using metrics for efficiency, performance, or bug resolution.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your code, design decisions, and debugging process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on experience, a systematic approach to problem-solving, and a strong understanding of the ASIC development lifecycle within a hardware engineering context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the K2 Space careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with FPGA development (Verilog/SystemVerilog), ASIC prototyping, silicon bring-up, hardware debugging, and Python scripting. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your most relevant projects. Be ready to present them clearly, focusing on problem, solution, contribution, and impact.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, particularly those related to FPGA design, debugging, and remote collaboration.

• Research K2 Space: Understand their mission, technology, funding, and recent news. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong fit for their specific goals and culture.

⚠️ 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.