DSP Firmware Staff Engineer

DSP Firmware Staff Engineer 3

Job

6776

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

** SLAC Job Postings*
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* Position Overview:

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* The Algorithmic Data Systems Department of the Technology Innovation Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an experienced DSP Firmware Staff Engineer to contribute to and provide technical leadership for the development of advanced firmware, software, and algorithmic data systems for scientific instrumentation, accelerator control, photon science, data acquisition, and AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems.

Our department develops and supports systems for a broad range of scientific and engineering programs. These include low-level RF (LLRF), timing, beam diagnostics, accelerator control, FPGA-based signal processing, high-speed data acquisition, and EPICS-based control systems. In addition to supporting SLAC accelerator and beam programs, the department also contributes to photon-side data acquisition systems, AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems, and other scientific instrumentation projects both within and outside SLAC.

The successful candidate will work closely with a skilled and multidisciplinary team of firmware engineers, software developers, control system engineers, physicists, data scientists, and scientific users. The primary technical focus of the position will be FPGA firmware development for DSP algorithms and real-time signal processing. The role will also involve close collaboration with team members on control software, EPICS IOCs, system integration, testing, deployment, commissioning, and operational support.

In addition to hands-on technical contributions, the Staff Engineer 3 position is expected to provide technical leadership for firmware and DSP-related activities. This may include helping define technical approaches, reviewing firmware and system designs, mentoring junior engineers, coordinating focused technical efforts, supporting project planning, identifying risks, and communicating status and technical needs to project stakeholders and department leadership.

The position may also involve small project coordination, including organizing technical tasks, tracking progress, coordinating with collaborators, supporting schedules and deliverables, and helping ensure successful integration and deployment of firmware and control-system solutions. This role does not include formal people-management responsibilities.

This work will include science and engineering concept development, DSP algorithm implementation, FPGA firmware design, laboratory testing, system integration, and on-site commissioning. The position requires flexibility and the ability to work across the full system lifecycle, from requirements development and architecture design to implementation, software integration, deployment, troubleshooting, and long-term support.

As a DSP Firmware Staff Engineer 3, you will help develop and guide solutions for challenging problems in accelerator science, photon science, AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems, and high-speed instrumentation. Example areas may include FPGA-based signal processing for LLRF systems, timing and synchronization systems, beam position and arrival-time diagnostics, feedback systems, high-speed digitizers, data acquisition platforms, and real-time data processing systems for scientific applications.

Members of our team are encouraged to work across technical areas, support diverse projects, and contribute to a collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and work-life balance. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to mission-critical systems that support world-class science at SLAC and broader scientific collaborations, while also helping guide technical direction and support successful project execution.

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** Your specific responsibilities include:*
* + Conceptual design of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and algorithms that are targeted for FPGA or ASIC implementations

+ Matlab/Simulink modeling and simulation of DSP blocks and algorithms

+ Implement the control and data readout system in high level software

+ Work closely with the…