DSP Firmware Staff Engineer 2

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Algorithmic Data Systems Department of the Technology Innovation Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a talented DSP Firmware Staff Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced firmware, software, and algorithmic data systems for scientific instrumentation, accelerator control, photon science, data acquisition, and AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems.

Our department develops and supports systems for a broad range of scientific and engineering programs. These include low-level RF (LLRF), timing, beam diagnostics, accelerator control, FPGA-based signal processing, high-speed data acquisition, and EPICS-based control systems. In addition to supporting SLAC accelerator and beam programs, the department also contributes to photon-side data acquisition systems, AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems, and other scientific instrumentation projects both within and outside SLAC.

The successful candidate will work closely with a skilled and multidisciplinary team of firmware engineers, software developers, control system engineers, physicists, data scientists, and scientific users. The primary focus of the position will be FPGA firmware development for DSP algorithms and real-time signal processing, but the role will also involve collaboration with team members on control software, EPICS IOCs, system integration, testing, deployment, and operational support.

This work will include science and engineering concept development, DSP algorithm implementation, FPGA firmware design, laboratory testing, and on-site commissioning. The position requires flexibility and the ability to work across the full system lifecycle, from requirements development and algorithm design to firmware implementation, software integration, deployment, troubleshooting, and long-term support.

As a DSP Firmware Staff Engineer, you will help develop solutions for challenging problems in accelerator science, photon science, AI/ML-enabled scientific data systems, and high-speed instrumentation. Example areas may include FPGA-based signal processing for LLRF systems, timing and synchronization systems, beam position and arrival-time diagnostics, feedback systems, high-speed digitizers, data acquisition platforms, and real-time data processing systems for scientific applications.

Members of our team are encouraged to work across technical areas, support diverse projects, and contribute to a collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and work-life balance. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to mission-critical systems that support world-class science at SLAC and broader scientific collaborations.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Conceptual design of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and algorithms that are targeted for FPGA or ASIC implementations
• Matlab/Simulink modeling and simulation of DSP blocks and algorithms
• Implement the control and data readout system in high level software
• Work closely with the high-speed digital and firmware developers and instrumentation scientists to optimize overall system design and performance
• Contribute to development projects in higher level, such as, managing technical direction, budget and schedule
• Be part of the team designing the concept, architecture, and components of future advanced instrumentation systems.
• Collaborate with other instrumentation development groups at SLAC and other scientific institutions.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor s degree in electronics, physics or related fields .
• Must have at least 2 years of experience in the following areas:
  • Digital signal processing firmware algorithm design and implementation
  • MATLAB/Simulink modeling and simulation
  • System Generator or Model Composer design
  • VHDL and scripting languages, such as python and Matlab
  • Debugging/testing of mixed-signal prototype boards.
• Demonstrated expertise in Xilinx based FPGA
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and be self-motivated.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information are a must.
• Excellent communications skills and ability to work well in a research and development team.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with embedded signal processing in Vivado or Vitis High-Level Synthesis (HLS) is a plus.
• Doctorate degree or equivalent in electronics, physics or related fields is a plus.
• Experience with high throughput firmware development, such as implementation of polyphase filter bank, and high-speed data converters
• Experience in feedback control theory.
• Low level (close to hardware) software development.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability : Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability : Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
• Relationships : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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Classification Title: Staff Engineer 2

Grade: K

Job code: 0132

Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $116,338 to $164,719 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.