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Senior FPGA Engineer, Networking & Security

Muon Space· Engineering - Software
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San Jose, CA$213k - $237kfull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior FPGA Engineer specializing in onboard networking, cryptography and security to design the network fabric and security architecture of Muon Space's spacecraft. Hands-on FPGA work with architectural influence, defining concepts, RTL, and collaborating to integrate networking and security into the broader compute architecture.

Responsibilities

  • Define the onboard networking architecture for Muon spacecraft, including switching, routing, packet filtering, firewalling, deep packet inspection, and VPN concepts.
  • Define and implement end-to-end encryption, packet-based encryption at router level, file-based encryption for onboard and downlink data.
  • Drive the definition of an onboard Ethernet switching and routing device and evaluate implementation options (COTS, semi-custom, fully custom FPGA-based).
  • Design and build a spacecraft NoC (Network-on-Chip) and robust FPGA-to-FPGA links, with continuous link health monitoring and reporting.
  • Own the Ethernet PHY and MAC integration on FPGAs, link aggregation, and signal-integrity trade-offs, in close partnership with the HPC architecture and Electrical Engineering team.
  • Apply FEC schemes (e.g., Reed-Solomon) to onboard and inter-FPGA links; translate networking and coding requirements into implementable RTL.
  • Integrate the network fabric with customer payloads, ensuring interoperability and low-level link validation.
  • Publish white papers on Muon's networking and security solutions and represent this work internally and (where appropriate) externally.
  • Work hand-in-hand with the Staff Onboard Compute Architect on the team to harmonize networking and security into the broader compute architecture.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of professional FPGA engineering experience, with a specialization in networking, cryptography, security, or high-speed I/O.
  • Deep, hands-on experience with Ethernet, link aggregation, and signal-integrity considerations, specifically at higher direct attached copper (DAC) lane rates.
  • Strong practical experience applying cryptographic algorithms in hardware or firmware: AES, AES-GCM, ECC, IPSec/VPN handshakes, and familiarity with post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
  • Working knowledge of FEC schemes, particularly Reed-Solomon, and the ability to translate BER and link-budget requirements into concrete FEC implementations.
  • Proven experience defining network packet flows, switching/routing/filtering, deep packet inspection, firewalling, and VPN termination in embedded or FPGA-based systems.
  • Strong HDL/RTL skills (SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL) and familiarity with modern FPGA verification methodologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to author white papers and architectural documents.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance is a plus.

Skills

Required:Networking and security architecture in FPGA/embedded systemsHDL/RTL design (SystemVerilog/Verilog/VHDL)Cryptographic hardware implementationFEC (Reed-Solomon) implementationNoC/FPGA interconnect designEthernet PHY/MAC integration on FPGAsTechnical writing and white papers

Benefits

  • competitive equity grant
  • comprehensive benefits package
  • medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • short & long term disability and life insurance
  • three weeks paid vacation
  • 12 paid holidays
  • unlimited sick time
  • paid parental leave
Last updated Sep 19, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Muon Space

The Mission Foundry — designing, building, and operating high-performance satellite constellations for National Security, civil, and commercial customers.

Design, build, and operate mission-optimized satellite constellations with Muon Space.

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