SPHERICAL is transforming semiconductor chip design using agile techniques and model-based engineering approaches. We leverage advances in software to empower engineers while increasing productivity by 10x. Our mission is to design high-quality electronics for the space industry - initially power products, and soon advanced computation.
About the RoleThis role blends digital hardware development with traditional PCB engineering, making it ideal for an engineer who understands high-reliability PCB systems but is equally fluent in FPGAs, HDL design (Verilog), digital interfaces, microcontrollers, firmware, and system bring-up.
You will own the complete design and verification flow of the hardware you produce, ensuring it meets demanding space-industry reliability and performance requirements. You will collaborate closely with semiconductor, software, and system architects to define specifications and deliver robust, production-ready designs.
Key Responsibilities:Digital & Mixed-Signal Electronics Architecture
Analyse system requirements and derive internal specifications for digital hardware subsystems
Architect digital functions spanning FPGA logic, microcontroller interfacing, digital power control, timing, and high-speed communications
Collaborate with microchip/IC designers on interface definitions and system partitioning
Ensure radiation tolerance, reliability, and robustness in design decisions
FPGA Design, Implementation & Verification
Implement FPGA logic in Verilog, including RTL development, simulation, and timing closure
Develop FPGA architectures for control, monitoring, digital signal processing, and interface bridging
Perform FPGA synthesis, P&R, constraints definition, timing analysis, and resource optimisation
Conduct verification using simulation, CocoTB, self-checking tests, and CI-driven verification flows
Integrate and verify FPGA logic with microcontrollers, RISC-V soft cores, embedded software, and PCB hardware
Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) verification
Participate in radiation testing and reliability assessments for FPGA-based systems
PCB Design, Verification & Manufacturing Ownership
Design multi-layer digital PCBs incorporating FPGAs, microcontrollers, high-speed interfaces, digital power domains, and mixed-signal components
Perform schematic capture, component selection, constraint definition, layout review, DFM checks, and signal-integrity analysis
Lead board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation
Serve as the primary technical contact for PCB fabrication and assembly partners
Drive the test, verification, and qualification of space-grade PCB systems
Embedded Integration (Microcontrollers & Firmware)
Develop low-level embedded C/Rust firmware for microcontrollers interfacing to FPGA and digital hardware
Implement and debug protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, SpaceWire, AXI4, etc.)
Support driver development, boot-time configuration, and hardware control flows
Conduct system bring-up and validate digital/firmware interactions
Verification, Testing & Qualification
Create comprehensive test plans for electronics, FPGA logic, and embedded interfaces
Perform digital verification, functional testing, environmental testing, and qualification for high-reliability aerospace conditions
Support automated regression testing, CI pipelines, and coverage-driven verification methodologies
Collaboration, Leadership & Best Practices
Set a high standard for principled, high-quality design within SPHERICAL
Guide and mentor junior engineers across hardware, FPGA, and embedded engineering tracks
Work cross-functionally with system architects, software engineers, and semiconductor specialists
Contribute to internal methodologies for hardware reuse, digital design guidelines, and verification frameworks
Strong experience in PCB schematic design, layout, manufacturing, and board bring-up
Demonstrated competence in FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL, simulation, synthesis, timing closure)
Experience with embedded systems including microcontrollers and embedded C development
Strong understanding of digital electronics, digital timing, logic design, and communication interfaces (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, AXI, etc.)
Clear understanding of the full electronics lifecycle: requirements → design → manufacture → test → qualification
Ability to work in fast-paced, highly iterative engineering environments
Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
Experience with space-industry standards (e.g., ECSS) and high-reliability design practices
Knowledge of high-speed interfaces, signal integrity, grounding, and EMC considerations
Experience with HDL simulation frameworks such as CocoTB, UVM testbenches, or SystemVerilog verification
Experience integrating FPGAs with embedded processors (ARM, RISC-V)
Experience with reliability analysis, radiation mitigation techniques, and fault-tolerant design
Familiarity with mechanical and thermal considerations for PCB-level design
Project management or technical leadership experience
Experience with Python scripting for automation, data analysis, or verification flows
Bachelor degree in electrical or electronics engineering, or equivalent 4 years degree.
A unique opportunity to transform how satellite electronics are conceived and built, bringing an Apple-style system-driven IC design philosophy into the space industry
Work in a rapidly scaling startup supported by world-class investors including ESA and the European Innovation Council
Collaborate with ambitious, highly skilled engineers across semiconductors, satellites, embedded software, and systems engineering
A culture that empowers engineers to lead, innovate, and challenge industry norms
Significant scope for ownership, impact, and personal growth
Full-time role
Based in the Randstad area, Netherlands
Hybrid working, minimum one day per week onsite
Reporting to Marcos Compadre, Head of Systems
An empowered work environment where you are encouraged to take a leading role in the team's work reshaping industry paradigms.
Please fill in this form to apply
#J-18808-Ljbffr€60000.00 - €100000.00 monthly