DSP Firmware Staff Engineer

Position Overview

The Algorithmic Data Systems Department of the Technology Innovation Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a talented DSP Firmware Staff Engineer to contribute to 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.

The department develops and supports systems for a broad range of scientific and engineering programs, including low-level RF (LLRF), timing, beam diagnostics, accelerator control, FPGA-based signal processing, high-speed data acquisition, and EPICS-based control systems. 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 focus of the position will be FPGA firmware development for DSP algorithms and real-time signal processing, but the role will also involve collaboration on control software, EPICS IOCs, system integration, testing, deployment, and operational support.

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

As a DSP Firmware Staff Engineer, you will help develop solutions for challenging problems in accelerator science, photon science, AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems, and high-speed instrumentation, including 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.

• 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 high-speed digital and firmware developers and instrumentation scientists to optimize overall system design and performance
• Contribute to development projects in higher level, such as, managing technical direction, budget and schedule
• Be part of the team designing the concept, architecture, and components of future advanced instrumentation systems
• Collaborate with other instrumentation development groups at SLAC and other scientific institutions

• Bachelor's degree in electronics, physics or related fields
• Must have at least 2 years of experience in the following areas:
  • Digital signal processing firmware algorithm design and implementation
  • MATLAB/Simulink modeling and simulation
  • System Generator or Model Composer design
  • VHDL and scripting languages, such as python and Matlab
  • Debugging/testing of mixed-signal prototype boards
• Demonstrated expertise in Xilinx based FPGA
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and be self‑motivated
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information
• Excellent communications skills and ability to work well in a research and development team
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Experience with embedded signal processing in Vivado or Vitis High‑Level Synthesis (HLS)
• Doctorate degree or equivalent in electronics, physics or related fields
• Experience with high throughput firmware development, such as implementation of polyphase filter bank and high-speed data converters
• Experience in feedback control theory
• Low level (close to hardware) software…