FPGA Design Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CA

Department: Hardware Engineering

At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers, so they can make the world safer and more efficient. We've transformed LIDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip-scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high-resolution LIDAR sensors that deliver superior imaging at a dramatically lower price. Our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones and many other applications. If you’re motivated by solving big problems, we’re hiring key roles across the company and need your help!

As an FPGA Design Engineer on the firmware team, you will contribute directly to the RTL development, verification, and testing that powers our next-generation lidar systems. Working alongside a team of talented engineers, you will implement low-level logic, assist with system integration, and help optimize real-time sensor performance. This role spans core FPGA development, simulation, and software-hardware integration, offering a strong opportunity to build deep technical expertise in a fast-paced environment. In addition, you will work closely with the broader firmware team to collaborate on design reviews and align on technical execution. Strong communication and a desire to learn are required for our entire team! Come build lidar with us!

This is an onsite position based in our San Francisco, CA office. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in FPGA development including HDL code development, simulation, test bench development, synthesis, and timing closure.
• High proficiency in SystemVerilog or Verilog
• Proficiency in C or C++ programming languages.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA toolchains for AMD Xilinx (Vivado) or Intel/Altera (Quartus).
• Experience developing logic for FPGA-based SoC devices (such as Xilinx Zynq or Intel Arria) using bus interconnects like AXI.
• Experience with version control tools such as Git using best practices.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using lab tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) for hardware debugging and board bring-up.
• Experience with High-Level Synthesis (HLS) or Vitis tools.
• Experience with DSP and algorithm development.
• Experience with modern verification methodologies like UVM.
• Experience in Linux environments with scripting in Python, TCL, or Bash.
• Experience with industrial safety systems and Functional Safety development processes.

The base pay will be dependent on your skills, work experience, location, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for equity & benefits. ($133,600-$200,00)

We acknowledge the confidence gap at Ouster. You do not need to meet all of these requirements to be the ideal candidate for this role.

Ouster is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that pursues and hires a diverse workforce. Ouster does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Ouster also strives for a healthy and safe workplace, and prohibits harassment of any kind. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Ouster considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.