FPGA Design Engineer (hybrid)

FPGA Design Engineer

Xanadu's mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world's most challenging problems and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:

As an FPGA design engineer at Xanadu you will be responsible for developing new FPGA designs for integration into electronic modules we develop in house to control and operate our photonic quantum computer. These modules are used for phase stabilization of optical fiber connections, control of electro-optic modulators, operation of optical homodyne measurements, photon-number resolving detectors, and laser pulse sequencing, among other use cases. The FPGA designs interface with various peripheral devices (such as ADCs, DACs, etc) to enable control and feedback loops implemented within the FPGA. These designs communicate with other FPGAs and servers using various communications protocols. You will work closely with physicists, engineers, and technicians in our labs to integrate these electronic modules into our quantum computer systems. You will also provide support to the teams using these modules, debugging issues and implementing new features to increase the functionality and usability of new and existing designs.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• 3+ years experience writing RTL (Verilog or VHDL, SystemVerilog preferred)
• Experience developing FPGA designs interfacing with peripheral devices (SPI, I2C, etc.)
• Experience bringing up an FPGA design from scratch, starting from the schematic
• Strong experience in reading and understanding electrical schematics, technical drawings, datasheets, and written work instructions, in order to be able to meaningfully participate in schematic review meetings and obtain FPGA design requirements from these documents
• Experience with validation and verification of designs
• Experience writing simulation testbenches
• Familiarity with Vivado or Quartus (Vivado preferred)
• Some experience with Python and TCL

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge of general data communication interfaces and protocols (SPI, I2C, JTAG, PCIe, UART, USB, TCP/IP, etc.)
• Experience with clocking architecture, timing constraints, low jitter applications
• Familiar with control systems design/theory (PID loops, feedback theory)
• Experience with bitstream/firmware/bootloader deployment strategies
• Experience with electronic test and measurement equipment (oscilloscope, JTAG debugging (ILA/VIO))
• Background in hands-on debug and verification experience in a lab environment
• Proficiency in analog and digital circuits design (e.g. op-amp, ADC/DAC, power management, FPGA, SRAM/DDR, etc.)
• Experience with Xilinx FPGAs (Series 7, Ultrascale+) would be an advantage
• Familiarity with source control, particularly git
• Experience with writing C/C++ code for embedded microcontrollers
• Familiarity with photonics and optical physics

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here. At Xanadu, we are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at recruiting@xanadu.ai. Note: Xanadu will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@xanadu.ai.