FPGA Developer and Communication Specialist for Free-Space Optical Communication Systems (f/m/d)


Help shape the future of ultra-high-speed communication. As an FPGA Developer and Communication Specialist, you will turn advanced free-space optical concepts into high-performance, real-world systems, working at the intersection of digital design and communication theory. Join a multidisciplinary team building cutting-edge solutions where conventional technologies reach their limits.


What You'll Do

  • Specify, implement, and test FPGA-based solutions for Gbps free-space optical communications systems.
  • Develop available FEC IP cores and ARQ schemes on our FPGA hardware (Xilinx MPSoC) and GbE (and more) client-side interfaces in cooperation with external specialists, ensuring modular FPGA designs.
  • Design and implement adaptive data rates systems to react to environmental conditions on the link.
  • Design and implement ranging features into our terminals.
  • Configure SoC cores or implement softcore embedded processors with all the required internal or external, standard or proprietary interfaces.
  • Work in a small team and collaborate with electronic, PCB and SW design engineers to ensure seamless hw/sw interfacing with the FPGA and also support mechanical engineers.
  • Work with the system engineers to define an optimum system for specific link applications.
  • Participate in lab and field testing.
  • Reporting progress, creating technical notes and writing good documentation.


 What You Bring

  • MS degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or similar, with 5 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Working knowledge of VHDL programming, with understanding Verilog codes too.
  • Working knowledge of using Vivado FPGA Design Environment: RTL design, IP Integration, Constraints driven Implementation, Timing Closure, Design Analysis, Simulation.
  • Working knowledge of basic FPGA design verification methodologies.
  • Working knowledge of On Chip Instrumentation (IPs and Tools) and embedded C programming for bringing up and live testing FPGA designs.
  • Knowledge of designing multiple clock domain, mixed RTL + IP modules based systems, AXI interfacing, transceiver modules, embedded memories, DDR memory interfacing.
  • Experience with communication protocols, especially Ethernet and OTN, and system performance evaluation through BER and FER calculations.
  • Experience of optimizing PPA (Performance, Power, Area) Metrics.
  • Very good written and spoken English communication skills – German helpful, but not mandatory.


Nice-to-haves

  • Basic knowledge of atmospheric optical links and suitable scintillation mitigation strategies like FEC, interleavers, and ARQ schemes.
  • HLS or System Generator based FPGA design.


Why Join Us?

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Shape next-gen laser communication technology with real-world impact
  • Work in a deeptech startup backed by top-tier research and strategic partners
  • Join an inspiring, international, mission-driven, agile team
  • Flat hierarchies, real ownership, and the chance to grow with us
  • A mix of lab, field, and flight testing - no two days are the same


Who We Are

Cucuyo develops and manufactures communication systems for unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs and ground stations). We are a start-up located in Krailling near Munich. You will be part of a team of technical experts to build an exciting future for the company.


Interested? Then send us your application to info@cucuyo.group.