Lead FPGA Engineer

As a Lead FPGA Engineer at Rainmaker, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing FPGA base images for our advanced weather radar systems. This role focuses on developing digital signal processing algorithms for applications such as pulse compression and Doppler processing. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal radar performance and lead a team of engineers, providing guidance and mentorship throughout the development process.

To qualify for the Lead FPGA Engineer position at Rainmaker, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. You should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in FPGA design and development, a strong understanding of digital signal processing, and proficiency in VHDL or Verilog/SystemVerilog. Familiarity with FPGA development tools and high-speed interfaces is also essential.

As a Lead FPGA Engineer at Rainmaker, your work will primarily involve advanced projects related to weather radar systems. You will design FPGA base images and develop DSP algorithms that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of storm tracking and weather forecasting. By optimizing FPGA resources, you'll contribute to the creation of high-performance systems that play a critical role in meteorological data collection.

While experience with weather radar systems is preferred, it is not strictly necessary to apply for the Lead FPGA Engineer position at Rainmaker. However, a solid understanding of radar signal processing techniques and digital design principles will certainly benefit your success in this role, along with an eagerness to learn from a leading-edge company in the meteorology space.

At Rainmaker, we prioritize professional development and encourage our Lead FPGA Engineers to explore various growth paths. You’ll not only enhance your technical skills by working on advanced projects but also have opportunities to step into leadership roles within engineering teams or pivot to related fields like integrated systems or RF engineering, based on your interests and ambitions.

In your response, highlight specific projects where you've designed FPGA systems. Discuss the tools you used, your role in the project, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Mention any particular DSP algorithms you implemented and their impact on system performance.

Talk about your knowledge of pulse compression, Doppler processing, and clutter reduction techniques, emphasizing how you applied these in your previous work. Share instances where your understanding of these techniques led to tangible improvements in radar system functionality.

Discuss your methodology for resource management, including planning your designs to avoid bottlenecks and ensure efficient use of FPGA resources. Give examples from your past experience where your strategies led to increased system performance.

Mention the FPGA development tools you are proficient in, such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus. Clarify how your familiarity with these tools enhances your efficiency and effectiveness in system design and troubleshooting.

Share specific examples where you've mentored or guided junior engineers. Focus on your leadership style, how you communicate technical concepts, and any successful outcomes resulting from your leadership.

Outline your process for verification and validation, discussing testing methodologies, the importance of documentation, and how these practices contribute to maintaining high standards in design quality.

Present a real-world scenario where you encountered a difficult problem related to FPGA design. Explain the steps you took to analyze the issue, your problem-solving approach, and the final resolution, emphasizing your ability to adapt and innovate.

Share your understanding of co-design concepts and how they apply to FPGA development. Discuss any experience you've had with integrated hardware/software systems and the impact on project outcomes.

Discuss the resources you use, such as industry publications, online courses, and conferences. Highlight how staying informed has directly benefited your work and contributed to your professional growth.

Express your enthusiasm for joining Rainmaker, mentioning specific aspects of the company and its innovations that align with your career goals and personal values. Show your passion for contributing to impactful meteorological solutions through technology.