Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications

Role type: Casual or Part-time; Fixed-term for 6 months Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology School: Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering Salary: Level A5 – A6: $106,273 - $110,319 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super (12% for casual)

• Build cutting-edge  wireless and robot comms systems / join a multidisciplinary, industry-connected research team / gain rare end-to-end FPGA, embedded and RF experience

• Apply now to turn cutting-edge communications research into real FPGA systems powering collaborative robots and wireless networks. 

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne  We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity  You will design and test FPGA-based wireless transceivers and embedded systems for collaborative robot communications. You will gain hands-on experience bridging digital communication algorithms, RF hardware, and real-time embedded control. You will work with leading researchers in a multidisciplinary team within a top-ranked engineering faculty.

What you will deliver: 

• Design and implement FPGA-based communication transceivers using AMD tools, including modulation, demodulation, and filtering logic.
• Develop microcontroller-based control and configuration systems for transceiver operation using Atmel or ST platforms.
• Perform simulation, verification, and timing analysis, then debug hardware–software integration for complete transceiver bring-up.
• Test and evaluate RF and digital performance, including throughput, latency, and signal quality under realistic conditions.
• Document architecture, control logic, and experimental benchmarks, and contribute to funding proposals and research publications.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate experience designing FPGA systems in the AMD ecosystem using VHDL or Verilog for digital communications.
• Apply knowledge of microcontroller platforms such as AVR, SAM, or STM32 to embedded control design.
• Bring fundamental understanding of RF systems, logic simulation, debugging tools, and signal processing for transceivers.
• Manage complex hardware–software projects independently, meeting strict timelines and taking ownership of technical outcomes.
• Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you!  We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: 

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team The School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering is a dynamic hub for world-class teaching and research. You will join the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, tackling real communication challenges with industry partners. Our faculty brings together experts in power systems, networks, devices, and systems engineering to create impactful solutions. You will benefit from a collaborative culture that supports innovation, mentorship, and your development as a research engineer.

Be Yourself  The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.    Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Brett Verity at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Position Description

JR-016271 Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications PD.docx

JR-016271 Research Engineer FPGA and Embedded Communications PD.pdf