Senior FPGA Engineer - Quantum Computing Control Systems

Company Overview

Join QuEra Computing's engineering team to develop cutting-edge FPGA systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You'll work on real-time control systems that manipulate individual atoms with microsecond precision, enabling breakthrough quantum algorithms and applications.

Role Summary

We're seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and optimize high-performance FPGA systems for quantum computing applications. You'll work on complex real-time control systems, high-speed data acquisition, and precision timing systems that are critical to our quantum computer's operation.

Key Responsibilities

Core FPGA Development

Design and implement System Verilog modules for quantum control systems including:
Scheduled multitone generators for RF/microwave quantum gates
Real-time pulse sequencers for laser control
High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (16-bit, 4 samples/clock)
Hardware-accelerated image processing for atom detection
Develop and maintain Ulti-board FPGA designs (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC)
Implement high-speed serial interfaces (CoaXPress, Aurora, AXI4-Stream)
Design clock domain crossing logic with proper CDC verification
Optimize resource utilization and timing closure for complex designs

System Integration & Verification

Create comprehensive testbenches using System Verilog and Python (cocotb)
Develop simulation models for quantum control peripherals
Implement formal verification for critical timing constraints
Design and validate real-time trigger and synchronization systems
Troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues

Performance & Reliability

Optimize data through put for high-bandwidth quantum control signals
Implement error detection and recovery mechanisms
Design robust clocking architectures for multi-domain systems
Develop monitoring and diagnostics for system health
Ensure deterministic timing for quantum gate operations

Technical Requirements

Essential Skills

5+ years FPGA development experience with Xilinx UltraScale+ devices
Expert-level System Verilog with modern verification methodologies
Experience with high-speed serial protocols (Aurora, AXI4, PCIe, Ethernet)
Real-time systems design with microsecond timing requirements
Digital signal processing implementation in FPGAs
Clock domain crossing design and verification
Python programming for test automation and data analysis

Preferred Qualifications

RF/microwave systems experience (frequency synthesis, phase-locked loops)
High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (JESD204B/C, RFSoC experience)
Image processing algorithms (centroid detection, pattern recognition)
Formal verification using System Verilog assertions
CoaXPress or camera interface experience
AWS/cloud development environments
Familiar with High Level Synthesis and Vivado block design

Technical Stack

FPGA Tools: Vivado 2022.2+, Vitis, PetaLinux
Languages: SystemVerilog, Verilog, Python, TCL
Verification: UVM, cocotb, pytest, formal verification
Protocols: AXI4, AXI4-Stream, Aurora, CoaXPress, SPI, I2C
Boards: Xilinx ZCU102/111/216, RFSoC platforms
Development: Git, CI/CD, AWS EC2, Linux

Project Examples

You'll work on systems like:

Quantum Gate Control: 8-channel RF tone generators with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution
Atom Detection: Real-time image processing at 1+ Gbps data rates
Precision Timing: Synchronized control sequences with <1 μs jitter
Data Acquisition: High-speed capture of quantum measurement results
System Integration: Multi-board coordination for scalable quantum computers

What We Offer

Cutting-edge technology: Work on the forefront of quantum computing
High-impact projects: Your code directly enables quantum algorithms
Technical growth: Learn quantum physics while advancing FPGA skills
Collaborative environment: Work with physicists, software engineers, and system architects

Success Metrics

Design Quality: Clean, well-documented, and maintainable SystemVerilog code
Performance: Meeting timing requirements for real-time quantum control
Reliability: Robust error handling and system monitoring