Senior FPGA Design Engineer

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

 
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit

We are seeking a highly skilled FPGA Designer to join our engineering team in Ottawa, supporting the development of advanced satellite modem technologies. In this role, you will own the design and delivery of FPGA subsystems from architecture definition through hardware validation, contributing to high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) implementations on FPGA platforms. You will work on systems enabling next-generation communications capabilities in demanding environments, requiring strong expertise in FPGA development, modem architectures, and high-speed data processing systems.

Main Responsibilities

• Own the design and implementation of FPGA-based digital modem components for satellite or wireless communication systems
• Design high-throughput FPGA architectures supporting multi‑Gbps data paths and real-time processing constraints
• Develop low-latency DSP blocks (e.g., modulation/demodulation, FEC, filtering, framing)
• Translate system and algorithm requirements into efficient and scalable FPGA architectures
• Perform RTL design using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Integrate and optimize designs, including third-party FPGA IP cores, for performance, power, and resource utilization
• Develop and execute verification plans, including simulation, testbench creation, and hardware validation
• Support full FPGA design lifecycle including synthesis, timing closure, and lab bring-up
• Work closely with system architects, algorithm developers, embedded software teams, and hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration
• Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and system-level testing in lab environments
• Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement of development processes
• Participate in design trade-offs and performance analysis for future modem features

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in FPGA design and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Strong proficiency in RTL design using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Experience with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus)
• Solid understanding of digital signal processing concepts and communication systems
• Experience implementing high-speed data paths and pipelined architectures
• Familiarity with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, Questa, VCS, etc.)
• Experience with hardware debugging tools (e.g., logic analyzers, ILA)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with satellite communications or wireless modem design
• Knowledge of forward error correction (FEC) schemes (LDPC, Turbo, etc.) Familiarity
• Familiarity with wideband or high-throughput modem systems (e.g., DVB-S2X, 5G PHY)
• Experience with high-speed interfaces (e.g., JESD204, Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes)
• Experience with FPGA SoC platforms and integration with embedded processors (e.g., ARM-based systems)
• Exposure to high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and methodologies
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or Python for algorithm development and validation
• Understanding of fixed-point design and optimization techniques
• Experience with modern verification methodologies (e.g., UVM, constrained-random, coverage-driven verification)
• Experience working in Agile or iterative development environments

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical concepts
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and reliability
• Proactive mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous learning

Working Conditions

• Resource is required to be in office four (4) days weekly
• Occasional international travel is required in this role
• Must qualify for government clearance