FPGA Engineer

Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos

harwell, didcot ox11, uk

Posted on Sep 14, 2026

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.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic for satellite subsystems and onboard computing

  • Develop HDL code (VHDL/Verilog) to interface with onboard software modules written in Rust

  • Simulate, synthesise, and validate FPGA designs using industry-standard tools

  • Work with electronics and software engineers to integrate FPGA modules into system architectures

  • Develop test benches and verification frameworks to ensure timing, functionality, and reliability

  • Participate in full hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and environmental testing

  • Maintain documentation, configuration control, and process traceability throughout the design lifecycle

  • Continuously optimise performance, power, and resource utilisation within constraints

What You’ll Bring

  • Strong proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and simulation tools (ModelSim, Vivado)

  • Familiarity with Rust, C, or Python for software integration

  • Understanding of Agile/V-model lifecycles and FPGA verification processes

  • Awareness of ECSS design standards and cleanroom/ESD protocols

  • A structured, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation

For this role you can be based in UK | Spain (Barcelona or Tenerife) | Portugal | Greece

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

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.