DSP Firmware Staff Engineer

Job Description

The Algorithmic Data Systems Department of the Technology Innovation Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an experienced DSP Firmware Staff Engineer to provide technical leadership and 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.

In this role you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of firmware engineers, software developers, control system engineers, physicists, data scientists, and scientific users. Your primary focus will be FPGA firmware development for DSP algorithms and real‑time signal processing, while collaborating on control software, EPICS IOCs, system integration, testing, deployment, commissioning, and operational support.

• Conceptual design of DSP algorithms that are targeted for FPGA or ASIC implementation.
• Matlab/Simulink modeling and simulation of DSP blocks and algorithms.
• Implement control and data readout systems in high‑level software.
• Collaborate with high‑speed digital and firmware developers and instrumentation scientists to optimize overall system design and performance.
• Lead and contribute to development projects, managing technical direction, budget, and schedule.
• Help design 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 4 years of experience in digital signal processing firmware algorithm design and implementation, MATLAB/Simulink modeling, System Generator or Model Composer design, VHDL, and scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB.
• Debugging/test experience on mixed‑signal prototype boards.
• Proficiency with Xilinx‑based FPGA development.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication skills and proven project management and team leadership abilities.

• 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 (e.g., polyphase filter bank, high‑speed data converters).
• Experience with feedback control theory.
• Low‑level software development skills.

• Effective Decisions:
  Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self‑Development:
  Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability:
  Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative:
  Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability:
  Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication:
  Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, and presented messages.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

• Consistent with its 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 his or her job.
• SLAC is open to on‑site and hybrid work options.

• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety:
  Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.
• Adherence to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, requiring a PIV credential. Employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post‑hire and receive a favorable adjudication. Illegal drug activities, including marijuana and cannabis derivatives, are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

The qualification above provides a summary of the responsibilities, expectations, and competencies required for this position. Interested candidates should contact the AD Director for technical questions and the HR office for application procedures.