Senior FPGA Design Engineer

As a Senior FPGA Design Engineer at Lynk, you'll focus primarily on designing and implementing physical layer algorithms and medium access control procedures specific to satellite-direct-to-phone links using LTE and 5G technologies. Your responsibilities also include developing software-defined radio platforms, conducting performance evaluations of cellular base stations, and developing test software for unit and system testing. Additionally, you will perform link budget analysis to ensure optimal performance between satellites and user equipment.

To succeed as a Senior FPGA Design Engineer at Lynk, you will need a Master’s degree in Engineering with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. A strong foundation in wireless communication systems like OFDM and MIMO is essential. You should also have hands-on expertise with physical layer algorithm design, a deep understanding of 3GPP standards, knowledge of software-defined radios, and familiarity with telecommunications software stacks. Skills in MATLAB, Python, C, or C++ are also required for algorithm development and simulation.

The work of a Senior FPGA Design Engineer at Lynk is critical to our mission of providing direct-to-device satellite communications. Your expertise in developing LTE and 5G RAN infrastructure directly contributes to our capability to connect billions of people using their existing mobile devices. By optimizing satellite communication technologies, you are helping to bridge the digital divide, pulling communities out of poverty and saving lives through enhanced connectivity.

At Lynk, the Senior FPGA Design Engineer role involves working with advanced telecommunications technologies, including LTE and 5G for Radio Access Networks. Experience with software-defined radios is essential, along with knowledge of technologies such as MIMO, OFDM, and signal processing algorithms. Familiarity with simulations and testing equipment like signal generators and spectrum analyzers will also be valuable in evaluating and enhancing performance.

The work environment at Lynk for a Senior FPGA Design Engineer is dynamic, collaborative, and innovative. You'll be engaging with leading experts in the fields of satellite communications and wireless technologies to drive advancements forward. With an emphasis on teamwork and ideation, you’ll tackle complex challenges in a high-tech lab setting while contributing to projects that have a global impact, supporting our vision of universal connectivity.

When answering this question, detail specific projects where you've worked with LTE or 5G technologies. Describe your role in developing algorithms or systems and how your contributions led to successful outcomes. Highlight your familiarity with standards and protocols in the 3GPP framework, as well as any hands-on lab work that supports your claims.

It's essential to explain your systematic approach, possibly mentioning your initial research and understanding of the problem, followed by development phases which include simulation and testing. Talk about your experience with software tools like MATLAB and how you validate the performance of your designed algorithms in practical scenarios.

Your response should include a step-by-step explanation of how you assess factors such as signal strength, distance, and environmental considerations. Discuss any specific tools or software you use for these calculations, and provide examples of how your analysis has contributed to optimizing system performance in previous projects.

Identify common challenges such as noise interference, signal fading, or latency issues. Share your strategies for overcoming these using simulations, prototyping, and testing under various conditions. Citing specific experiences can demonstrate your ability to problem-solve and innovate in challenging situations.

In your answer, provide context regarding the project, including your role and the team composition. Discuss how collaboration improved the project outcomes, such as ensuring that various aspects of development were integrated effectively. Highlight communication strategies you used to coordinate with different team members or departments.

Mention how you actively engage with industry publications, attend conferences, or participate in online forums and webinars. Also, discuss any continuous education efforts, such as certifications or coursework that have helped you remain at the forefront of technology developments, ensuring that your work has immediate relevance.

Highlight software tools that you are proficient in, such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Explain your reasons for preference based on the tools' capabilities, your past experiences with them, and how they complement your workflow in developing efficient algorithms and simulations for telecommunications projects.

Emphasize the importance of rigorous testing in your development cycle, whether through simulation, unit, or system testing. Discuss how you integrate testing early in the process to identify and address issues swiftly and mention any tools used for testing and validation in your previous roles.

Share techniques you use to manage your time effectively when faced with deadlines, such as prioritizing tasks, utilizing project management tools, or engaging in agile methodologies. Provide an example where you successfully met a deadline without compromising quality, showcasing both your organizational and technical skills.

Your answer should reflect a genuine understanding of Lynk’s mission and values, highlighting how they align with your personal and professional goals. Discuss specific aspects of the company’s technology and projects that excite you, and explain how you envision contributing to the team’s success in revolutionizing satellite communications.