Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.
Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com
Main Responsibilities
- Own the design and implementation of FPGA-based digital modem components for satellite or wireless communication systems
- Design high-throughput FPGA architectures supporting multi‑Gbps data paths and real-time processing constraints
- Develop low-latency DSP blocks (e.g., modulation/demodulation, FEC, filtering, framing)
- Translate system and algorithm requirements into efficient and scalable FPGA architectures
- Perform RTL design using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
- Integrate and optimize designs, including third-party FPGA IP cores, for performance, power, and resource utilization
- Develop and execute verification plans, including simulation, testbench creation, and hardware validation
- Support full FPGA design lifecycle including synthesis, timing closure, and lab bring-up
- Work closely with system architects, algorithm developers, embedded software teams, and hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration
- Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and system-level testing in lab environments
- Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement of development processes
- Participate in design trade-offs and performance analysis for future modem features
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in FPGA design and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Strong proficiency in RTL design using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
- Experience with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus)
- Solid understanding of digital signal processing concepts and communication systems
- Experience implementing high-speed data paths and pipelined architectures
- Familiarity with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, Questa, VCS, etc.)
- Experience with hardware debugging tools (e.g., logic analyzers, ILA)
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment
Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience with satellite communications or wireless modem design
- Knowledge of forward error correction (FEC) schemes (LDPC, Turbo, etc.) Familiarity
- Familiarity with wideband or high-throughput modem systems (e.g., DVB-S2X, 5G PHY)
- Experience with high-speed interfaces (e.g., JESD204, Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes)
- Experience with FPGA SoC platforms and integration with embedded processors (e.g., ARM-based systems)
- Exposure to high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and methodologies
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or Python for algorithm development and validation
- Understanding of fixed-point design and optimization techniques
- Experience with modern verification methodologies (e.g., UVM, constrained-random, coverage-driven verification)
- Experience working in Agile or iterative development environments
Soft Skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical concepts
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and reliability
- Proactive mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous learning
Working Conditions
- Resource is required to be in office four (4) days weekly
- Occasional international travel is required in this role
- Must qualify for government clearance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of FPGA design and development experience
- RTL design proficiency using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
- Experience with FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus)
- Solid understanding of digital signal processing concepts and communication systems
- Experience implementing high-speed data paths and pipelined architectures
- Familiarity with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, Questa, VCS)
- Experience with hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, ILA) and lab bring-up
- Experience with synthesis, timing closure, and FPGA design lifecycle
- Must qualify for government clearance
- Experience with satellite communications or wireless modem design
- Knowledge of FEC schemes (LDPC, Turbo)
- Familiarity with wideband/high-throughput modem systems (DVB-S2X, 5G PHY)
- Experience with high-speed interfaces (JESD204, Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes)
- Experience with FPGA SoC platforms and ARM integration
- Exposure to HLS tools and methodologies
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or Python for algorithm development/validation
- Understanding of fixed-point design and optimization techniques
- Experience with modern verification methodologies (UVM, constrained-random, coverage-driven)
- Experience working in Agile or iterative development environments
What We Do
Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability, and industry-leading customer service, Telesat is one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth. Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, will be the first and only LEO network optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity links with fiber-like speeds.
