FPGA Engineer

At AV , we push the limits of what’s possible in aerospace and defense. Our Space Tech Division is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team developing high-performance electromechanical, electro-optical, control, and communication systems. From advanced digital signal processing algorithms to integrated SoC/FPGA architectures, we build the brains behind next-generation space technology.

We are looking for an adaptable, curious, and skilled FPGA Engineer to join us. If you enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same, and you are eager to grow your skills alongside industry experts, we want to hear from you.

Your Day-to-Day (Key Responsibilities)

As part of our collaborative engineering team, you will dive into a diverse mix of firmware design, system integration, and cutting-edge hardware development. On any given day, you will:

• Design & Develop: Author and maintain general-purpose and mission-specific RTL/firmware for space electronics, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems.

• Build Critical Interfaces: Develop firmware for vital peripheral interfaces, including Converters (ADC/DAC) and high-speed communication links (SpaceWire, SPI, CameraLink, 1Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B).

• Automate & Deploy: Create and optimize automated FPGA platform build scripts, and get hands-on by deploying firmware directly to physical hardware.

• Optimize for Space: Fine-tune embedded software to ensure fault tolerance and high reliability in radiation-hardened environments.

• Test & Validate: Conduct hardware-in-the-loop system integration, testing, and validation under both simulated and real-world aerospace conditions.

• Ensure Excellence: Support the team in maintaining alignment with rigorous space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD).

We are seeking a foundational engineer who loves solving hardware puzzles and is ready to take their experience to the next level., + Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Core Experience: 2-3 years of professional experience (non-academic) designing with Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog).

• Hands-on Skills: Proven experience deploying firmware to physical devices, as well as conducting system integration, testing, and validation.

• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications (The “Nice-to-Haves”):

• If you have familiarity with or exposure to any of the following, we’d love to talk about it!

• Hardware & Tools: Experience with Xilinx devices/toolchains (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex via Vivado/ISE) or Microchip devices/toolchains (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4 via Libero).

• Design Techniques: Familiarity with multiple clock-domain design, physical constraints, floor planning, and in-system debuggers/logic analyzers.

• Software & Scripting: Knowledge of C/C++, Python, Java, or Tool Command Language (TCL).

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition., We don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you’re ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)