FPGA/SoC Engineer (f/m/d) – Remote Systems Update & Fault Recovery

European XFEL GmbH

Jobbeschreibung

European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.

For our Electronic and Electrical Engineering group, we are looking for an

FPGA/SoC Engineer (f/m/d) – Remote Systems Update & Fault Recovery


As part of the STEPHANIK project, we are looking for a Developer to design FPGA and SoC solutions with focus on monitorization, fault detection and recovery methods as well as updates in harsh environments. The Slovak Technical Ecosphere Platform (STEPHANIK) is a transformation and innovation program by the Slovak Government with international partners, including EuXFEL and DESY. EuXFEL is supporting this program through knowledge transfer and developments in high data-rate FPGA acquisition systems. As part of this project, and linked in with other strategic developments at EuXFEL you will:

  • research in self-monitoring and repairing FPGA/SoC systems to detect and recover from radiation-induced errors or internal failures,
  • design secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for remote SoC platforms in inaccessible environments with fail-safe fallback mechanisms,
  • design low-level drivers (e.g., Linux kernel drivers, bare-metal firmware) for custom and standard FPGA/SoC peripherals,
  • develop automated test frameworks for SoC platform validation under fault conditions,
  • interface to the project partners of STEPHANIK, and within EuXFEL to understand requirements for such platforms.

The project is executed with staff members from EuXFEL's Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Controls Software Groups.


  • university degree in Electronics, Computer Science, Physics or comparable field,
  • strong proficiency and proven experience in RTL design and FPGA toolchains,
  • experience in HDL simulations frameworks,
  • experience writing kernel drivers for FPGA/SoC peripherals,
  • experience in maintaining and supporting FPGA-based projects,
  • familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, DDR4/5) is considered an asset,
  • strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds and technical disciplines, ensuring clear and concise exchange of complex technical concepts

Become part of a vibrant international and multicultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

  • family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
  • flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
  • 30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
  • extensive relocation benefits
  • generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
  • monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
  • partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
  • extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
  • Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your well‑being

Our company language is English.

Reference number: E-390

Duration: This is a time-limited position, available until 30 September 2027.

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