Job Description
Job Title: Senior FPGA Design Engineer – 4G/5G Radio Systems
Job Duration: 12 months (possibility of extension)
Work Model: Hybrid (3 days onsite and 2 days remote)
Work Location: Toronto, ON
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior FPGA Design Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and validation of FPGA-based solutions for 4G/5G Radio Units. This role involves working on complex system-level problems, contributing to long-term product strategy, and delivering innovative solutions aligned with 3GPP and O-RAN Alliance specifications.
The ideal candidate brings deep SystemVerilog/RTL expertise, strong radio systems knowledge, and hands-on experience with AXI and Ethernet protocols in high-performance wireless systems.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Architecture
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Architect and develop FPGA IP for 4G/5G Radio Units.
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Contribute to system-level architecture aligned with 3GPP and O-RAN standards.
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Define system requirements and functional specifications with minimal oversight.
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Set design standards and achieve product cost and performance targets through optimal design, component, and supplier selection.
FPGA Implementation
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Design and implement complex RTL blocks using SystemVerilog/Verilog.
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Integrate RTL modules into large-scale FPGA systems.
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Optimize FPGA resource utilization, power, and performance.
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Achieve and maintain timing closure on advanced FPGA platforms.
Verification & Validation
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Define and execute comprehensive verification plans using UVM and advanced verification techniques.
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Perform RTL simulation, hardware bring-up, and system-level FPGA validation.
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Support debugging and root-cause analysis across hardware and software boundaries.
Collaboration & Leadership
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Work closely with Radio Unit, RF, and system engineering teams to ensure seamless integration.
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Partner with software and firmware teams to ensure hardware–software interoperability.
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Act as a technical consultant on critical, high-impact projects.
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Mentor junior engineers and lead technical reviews.
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Communicate project progress, risks, and technical direction to senior management.
Innovation & Strategy
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Identify and develop solutions contributing to new product concepts and platforms.
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Conduct competitive and technology analysis to guide architectural decisions.
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Support research activities, evaluations, project planning, and budgeting for new and existing products.
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Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to align solutions with real-world requirements.
Required Qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
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Proven hands-on experience in FPGA design and RTL development.
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Strong expertise in SystemVerilog and RTL design (VHDL is not used).
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In-depth knowledge of 4G/5G Radio architectures and the O-RAN ecosystem.
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Experience with wireless and fronthaul protocols, including:
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NR / LTE
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eCPRI / CPRI
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PTP (IEEE 1588)
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Strong experience with:
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AXI
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Ethernet
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Familiarity with high-speed interfaces such as JESD204B/C, PCIe, and SERDES.
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Proficiency with FPGA and modeling tools:
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Altera Quartus
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MATLAB / Simulink
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Solid understanding of UVM-based verification methodologies.
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Experience using Git/GitHub and modern version-control workflows.
Preferred Qualifications
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7+ years of FPGA design experience in wireless, radio, or high-speed systems.
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Experience developing FPGA IP for high-volume wireless products.
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Contributions to industry standards or forums such as O-RAN Alliance or 3GPP.
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Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and influence long-term architecture.
Interview Process
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Round 1: 30-minute Microsoft Teams interview with the Hiring Manager
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Round 2: 90-minute onsite panel interview (2–3 interviewers), including technical deep dive and whiteboarding
- For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 70.00/hr.