FPGA Engineering Manager

Overview

FPGA Engineering Manager | Space Systems | Santa Barbara, CA. If you want to work at the edge of space technology and lead the digital design behind cutting-edge radar systems, this is one you’ll want to see. Our client is redefining access to space. Their mission is to deliver high-resolution radar imagery that helps keep the world safe and informed, with a constellation designed, built, and tested entirely in-house.

Every system is flight-proven on their own satellites, ensuring that every design counts when it’s on orbit.

As their FPGA Engineering Manager
, you’ll lead a talented digital design team creating the embedded systems that power next-generation radar, communications, and electronic warfare payloads. It’s a mix of hands-on technical work and leadership, shaping both the people and the technology driving their innovation.

• Lead and mentor a small team of FPGA and digital design engineers.
• Own the design and delivery of FPGA-based systems using Xilinx SoC devices.
• Work across electrical, mechanical, and software teams to integrate advanced payload hardware.
• Drive rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and production-ready digital design.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, precision, and technical excellence.

• 5+ years of FPGA/SoC digital design experience and 2+ years in leadership.
• Deep expertise in VHDL or Verilog, and experience with Vivado or Vitis tool chains.
• Background in embedded software development (C/C++/Rust preferred).
• Strong understanding of high-speed digital interfaces (DDR, SPI, LVDS, UART).
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required due to ITAR regulations.

• Work on real hardware that flies.
• Be part of a vertically integrated engineering environment where innovation moves fast.
• Competitive salary ($180K–$220K DOE) plus stock options and 401(k) contribution.
• Flexible time off, full medical coverage, and daily lunch on site.
• Relocation support up to $10k

This is a rare opportunity to lead the kind of work that actually goes to orbit. If you’re passionate about building systems that matter, apply now or reach out for a confidential chat.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Defense and Space
• Manufacturing and Space Research and Technology