The posting
Senior FPGA Engineer - Quantum Computing Control Systems
Company Overview
Join QuEra Computing's engineering team to develop cutting-edge FPGA systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You'll work on real-time control systems that manipulate individual atoms with microsecond precision, enabling breakthrough quantum algorithms and applications.
Role Summary
We're seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and optimize high-performance FPGA systems for quantum computing applications. You'll work on complex real-time control systems, high-speed data acquisition, and precision timing systems that are critical to our quantum computer's operation.
Key Responsibilities
Core FPGA Development
- Design and implement System Verilog modules for quantum control systems including:
- Scheduled multitone generators for RF/microwave quantum gates
- Real-time pulse sequencers for laser control
- High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (16-bit, 4 samples/clock)
- Hardware-accelerated image processing for atom detection
- Develop and maintain Ulti-board FPGA designs (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC)
- Implement high-speed serial interfaces (CoaXPress, Aurora, AXI4-Stream)
- Design clock domain crossing logic with proper CDC verification
- Optimize resource utilization and timing closure for complex designs
System Integration & Verification
- Create comprehensive testbenches using System Verilog and Python (cocotb)
- Develop simulation models for quantum control peripherals
- Implement formal verification for critical timing constraints
- Design and validate real-time trigger and synchronization systems
- Troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues
Performance & Reliability
- Optimize data through put for high-bandwidth quantum control signals
- Implement error detection and recovery mechanisms
- Design robust clocking architectures for multi-domain systems
- Develop monitoring and diagnostics for system health
- Ensure deterministic timing for quantum gate operations
Technical Requirements
Essential Skills
- 5+ years FPGA development experience with Xilinx UltraScale+ devices
- Expert-level System Verilog with modern verification methodologies
- Experience with high-speed serial protocols (Aurora, AXI4, PCIe, Ethernet)
- Real-time systems design with microsecond timing requirements
- Digital signal processing implementation in FPGAs
- Clock domain crossing design and verification
- Python programming for test automation and data analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- RF/microwave systems experience (frequency synthesis, phase-locked loops)
- High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (JESD204B/C, RFSoC experience)
- Image processing algorithms (centroid detection, pattern recognition)
- Formal verification using System Verilog assertions
- CoaXPress or camera interface experience
- AWS/cloud development environments
- Familiar with High Level Synthesis and Vivado block design
Technical Stack
- FPGA Tools: Vivado 2022.2+, Vitis, PetaLinux
- Languages: SystemVerilog, Verilog, Python, TCL
- Verification: UVM, cocotb, pytest, formal verification
- Protocols: AXI4, AXI4-Stream, Aurora, CoaXPress, SPI, I2C
- Boards: Xilinx ZCU102/111/216, RFSoC platforms
- Development: Git, CI/CD, AWS EC2, Linux
Project Examples
You'll work on systems like:
- Quantum Gate Control: 8-channel RF tone generators with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution
- Atom Detection: Real-time image processing at 1+ Gbps data rates
- Precision Timing: Synchronized control sequences with <1 μs jitter
- Data Acquisition: High-speed capture of quantum measurement results
- System Integration: Multi-board coordination for scalable quantum computers
What We Offer
- Cutting-edge technology: Work on the forefront of quantum computing
- High-impact projects: Your code directly enables quantum algorithms
- Technical growth: Learn quantum physics while advancing FPGA skills
- Collaborative environment: Work with physicists, software engineers, and system architects
Success Metrics
- Design Quality: Clean, well-documented, and maintainable SystemVerilog code
- Performance: Meeting timing requirements for real-time quantum control
- Reliability: Robust error handling and system monitoring
- Innovation: Proposing and implementing improvements to quantum control systems
- Collaboration: Effective communication with cross-functional teams
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's/master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics
- 5+ years FPGA development with complex, real-time systems
- Experience with quantum computing, RF systems, or precision instrumentation preferred
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills for technical documentation and team collaboration
Why This Role Matters
Quantum computers represent the next frontier in computing, with potential to revolutionize cryptography, optimization, and scientific simulation. As an FPGA engineer on our team, you'll build the hardware foundation that makes quantum algorithms possible - controlling individual atoms with unprecedented precision to create the quantum states that power breakthrough applications. Your work will directly impact our ability to scale quantum computers and bring quantum advantage to real-world problems. This is an opportunity to shape the future of computing while advancing your technical expertise in cutting-edge FPGA development.
This role offers the unique opportunity to combine advanced FPGA engineering with quantum physics, working on systems that operate at the fundamental limits of precision and timing. If you're passionate about both hardware engineering and quantum computing, this is the perfect role to advance both your technical skills and career.
We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.
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QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
