FPGA Engineer

At Zero Point Motion, we’re redefining the boundaries of sensor technology by merging the cutting edge of photonics, semiconductors, and big data. Our mission is to deliver unprecedented precision in positioning and navigation systems by creating state of the art inertial sensors to accelerate autonomy. Our future vision is to transform all semiconductor sensors with silicon photonics. This is not business as usual. We’re rethinking sensor systems from the ground up, embracing cross-domain innovation, tackling the impossible, and delivering technology that transforms how the world navigates and interacts with data.

What you'll do at ZPM

We’re looking for a hands-on digital design engineer who thrives on building high-performance systems from first principles. You're someone who can move from a clean sheet to real-time FPGA designs running on silicon. You understand RTL like a second language, enjoy architecting with ASIC-readiness in mind, and love seeing your designs function in physical systems—on real boards, with real signals. You bring rigour to your verification, clarity to your code, and get a buzz from seeing bits toggle and systems lock in.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Capture and interpret system-level requirements for inertial sensing and signal processing
• Design and implement RTL for FPGA-based processing and control functions e.g. Develop and verify real-time digital control systems, including phase-locked loops (PLLs), feedback controllers, and quadrature demodulation logic
• Verify designs through simulation, testbenches, and lab-based testing
• Synthesize, constrain, and optimise FPGA designs for timing, power, and area
• Integrate FPGA into custom PCBs and support bring-up and debugging
• Architect FPGA designs with future ASIC implementation in mind, ensuring RTL portability, timing-aware structure, and DFT considerations
• Collaborate with firmware, systems, and mechanical teams to co-design full-stack sensor systems
• Contribute to technical documentation, version control, and continuous improvement of the digital design process

What you'll bring to the role

• 4+ years of experience in FPGA design (Xilinx or similar) with system integration on PCB
• Hands-on experience designing real-time control loops, including PLLs and quadrature signal processing
• Exposure to ASIC development or a strong interest in transitioning FPGA designs to ASIC
• Full lifecycle experience across digital design: architecture, RTL implementation, simulation, synthesis, and bring-up
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams (e.g., hardware, software, systems)
• Expert in RTL design using SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL
• Proficient with FPGA design flows (Vivado or similar): simulation, synthesis, constraints, place & route, timing closure
• Experience with Xilinx and Zynq SoCs
• Familiar with AXI interfaces, state machines, PLLs, control logic
• Proven experience implementing and tuning control loops in hardware (e.g., PI, PLL, digital feedback systems)
• Confident debugging in lab environments using tools like ILA, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
• Comfortable with scripting and tooling: TCL, Python, Git/Gerrit

Bonus Knowledge

• Experience writing ASIC-portable RTL, understanding of ASIC flows (DFT, STA, physical synthesis)
• Experience in safety-critical or requirements-driven environments
• Background in developing MEMS based semiconductor devices e.g. inertial sensors, microphones, RF MEMS or optical switches
• Knowledge of embedded C/C++ for interfacing or GUI development
• Understanding of MEMS, photonics, or other mixed-signal domains

Personal Attributes

• You’re a builder - you take ownership from concept to lab validation
• You’re rigorous - your testbenches and documentation are clear, thorough, and leave no guesswork
• You’re curious - always digging deeper to understand why something works (or doesn’t
• You’re collaborative - you share progress early and often, and respect the insight of colleagues across hardware, software, and systems
• You think long-term - you design with the future ASIC version in mind, not just the current FPGA

Working with us

• Compensation : Our framework is built on fairness and transparency, with regular reviews to reflect growth and performance.
• Benefits : Share options, Royal London pension, and sick pay.
• Flexibility : Hybrid/flexible working arrangements depending on role.
• Culture : A deep-tech rocketship backed by leading investors. We’re building breakthrough technology with real commercial impact. Pace is high. Standards are higher.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.