DSP Firmware Staff Engineer

Position Overview

The Algorithmic Data Systems Department of the Technology Innovation Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a 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.

Our 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. 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.

As a DSP Firmware Staff Engineer, you will work closely with a 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, while collaborating on control software, EPICS IOCs, system integration, testing, deployment, and operational support.

This 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.

• Conceptual design of DSP and algorithms 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 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.
• At least 2 years of experience in:
• 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 communication 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 a polyphase filter bank or high‑speed data converters.
• Experience in feedback control theory.
• Low‑level (close‑to‑hardware) software development.

• Consistent with obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
• SLAC is open to on‑site and hybrid work options.