Software Development Engineer (FPGA development) - Hybrid in Reston, Virginia

We are seeking an FPGA Engineer with expertise in quantum computing control systems and high-speed signal processing, specifically using the Xilinx ZCU216 RFSoC platform. The ideal candidate will work on developing real-time qubit control and readout solutions, integrating FPGA-based RF signal processing with quantum hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize FPGA firmware for quantum control systems using the ZCU216 RFSoC, focusing on high-speed DAC/ADC integration for qubit manipulation and measurement.
• Implement pulse shaping, AWG (Arbitrary Waveform Generation), and real-time feedback algorithms for quantum gates and qubit readout.
• Work with Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and RFSoC-specific toolchains to develop and debug FPGA-based control logic.
• Integrate JESD204B/C interfaces for high-speed RF signal generation and acquisition.
• Design low-latency digital signal processing (DSP) pipelines for phase estimation, signal demodulation, and noise filtering in qubit readout.
• Collaborate with quantum physicists and experimentalists to implement FPGA-based real-time quantum error correction and feedback control.
• Interface FPGA designs with high-speed communication protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, and AXI for system-level integration.
• Work with Python and C/C for FPGA interfacing, automation, and quantum experiment control.
• Perform timing analysis, resource utilization optimization, and debugging for high-performance operation.
• Conduct hardware bring-up, validation, and lab testing, using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and quantum measurement setups.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor s, Master s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3 years of FPGA development experience, with a focus on Xilinx RFSoC platforms (e.g., ZCU216, ZCU208, ZCU111).
• Strong expertise in VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS (C/C ) for FPGA programming.
• Proficiency in Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and RFSoC development environments.
• Experience with high-speed DACs/ADCs, JESD204B/C, and RF signal generation.
• Understanding of quantum computing control protocols, pulse shaping, and qubit measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with Python, C/C , and embedded Linux for FPGA integration with quantum experiments.
• Experience working with high-speed serial interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, etc.) for control and data acquisition.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Top 3 Hard Skills Required Years of Experience:

-Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and RFSoC-specific tool chains 8-10 years

-Python and C/C 8-10 years

Additional notes for the recruiters:

• Purpose of the Team: We are seeking an FPGA Engineer with expertise in quantum computing control systems and high-speed signal processing, specifically using the Xilinx ZCU216 RFSoC platform.
• Key projects: developing real-time qubit control and readout solutions, integrating FPGA-based RF signal processing with quantum hardware.

Candidate Requirements

• Years of Experience Required: 8-10 overall years of experience in the field.
• Degrees or certifications required: Bachelor s, Master s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Best vs. Average:Be ableto Develop and optimize FPGA firmware for quantum control systems using the ZCU216 RFSoC, focusing on high-speed DAC/ADC integration for qubit manipulation and measurement. Experience with similar job/requirements.
• Performance Indicators: Performance will be assessed based on quality of work, meeting deadlines.