FPGA engineers with quantum computing and real-time systems experience will find this role in Boston emphasizing precision timing and complex hardware integration.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from QuEra Computing, Inc. via Greenhouse
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.