FPGA Architect
Open Cosmos
FPGA Architect
Aim high, go beyond!
At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.
Working in the Flight Software Team
Working across the full mission lifecycle, the team designs, implements, and tests software for both onboard and ground systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability across our growing satellite fleet. Collaborating closely with systems, electronics, and mission operations, the team brings together innovation and precision to make every Open Cosmos mission fly.we’re looking for an FPGA Architect
We are now looking for an FPGA Architect to join the team.
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll shape how FPGA systems are designed across our spacecraft, working at the intersection of hardware and software to deliver high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions. From early concept through to in-orbit performance, your work will directly influence how our missions operate and evolve.
You’ll be:
Defining and owning FPGA architecture across spacecraft platforms and missions
Translating system and mission needs into clear, robust FPGA design strategies
Designing high-speed, high-reliability digital systems for payload and platform applications
Driving architectural decisions across performance, power, and reliability trade-offs
Establishing design standards, reusable IP, and scalable frameworks across programmes
Leading the FPGA lifecycle from concept through simulation, verification, and hardware validation
Shaping verification approaches including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and fault injection
Supporting bring-up and optimisation of high-speed interfaces and complex data pipelines
Embedding fault tolerance and resilience into system design
Acting as the technical authority for FPGA, guiding decisions and resolving complex challenges
Working closely with electronics and software teams to ensure seamless integration
Engaging with suppliers and partners on FPGA technologies and tooling
Contributing to design reviews, test campaigns, and anomaly investigations
Driving continuous improvement in how we design, build, and validate FPGA systems
Supporting and mentoring engineers, helping raise the bar across the team
Maintaining clear architectural documentation, standards, and traceability
What You’ll Bring
Deep knowledge of FPGA architecture and digital design using HDL (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog)
Strong understanding of FPGA toolchains and ecosystems (Vivado, Quartus, Libero, Lattice)
Knowledge of high-speed interfaces, data pipelines, and real-time processing systems
Understanding of FPGA and software integration, including embedded systems environments
Knowledge of verification, simulation, timing analysis, and design optimisation techniques
Understanding of fault-tolerant and resilient design approaches (e.g. redundancy, error detection)
Strong systems thinking, with the ability to balance performance, power, and reliability
Clear and structured approach to documentation, traceability, and design governance
Ability to make sound technical decisions and communicate them effectively
Collaborative mindset, working across multidisciplinary teams
A drive to improve how things are done — technically and as a team
For this role you can be based in any of our locations.
To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.
Please submit your application and CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
- Division
- CTO
- Department
- FLIGHT SOFTWARE
- Locations
- Harwell, UK, Athens, Greece, Barcelona, Spain, Porto, Portugal, Tenerife
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this.