Principal RTL Design Engineer

Lead FPGA Design Engineer – Space-Based 5G Communications

Location: Southampton, UK (Hybrid)

Package: Competitive base salary + equity + pension + private medical + relocation support / visa

A well-funded, fast-growing deep-tech company is developing high-performance signal processing technology for deployment onboard satellites.

They are looking to appoint a Lead FPGA Design Engineer to take a central role in shaping and delivering complex RTL designs for FPGA (and ASIC) targets. This is a senior, hands-on role where technical excellence and delivery ownership go hand in hand. The successful candidate will lead key projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive the development of optimised, production-ready IP for advanced Layer 1 systems.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-calibre team working at the forefront of next-generation satellite communications, with significant scope to influence both product direction and engineering methodology.

What they’re looking for:

• Extensive experience developing complex digital designs in Verilog or SystemVerilog
  
  
• Strong track record delivering high-throughput FPGA or ASIC IP, ideally in signal processing or comms applications
  
  
• Expertise in simulation, synthesis, timing optimisation, and lab-based validation
  
  
• Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools and UVM-based verification
  
  
• Ability to lead projects, define architecture, and support junior engineers
  
  
• Comfortable collaborating across hardware, software, and systems disciplines
  
  
• Space or satellite comms experience is not essential—but curiosity and a builder’s mindset are highly valued
  
  Why consider this opportunity?
  
  
• Join a collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your technical input has real impact
  
  
• Help build mission-critical technology powering global communications from space
  
  
• Take on a high-trust role with strong influence over architecture and engineering direction
  
  
• Enjoy a competitive salary, meaningful equity, and a supportive hybrid work setup
  
  
• Excellent benefits including private healthcare and pension
  
  Interested?
  
  Please apply with your CV or get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion