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# Senior Firmware Engineer in Herndon

- **Company:** Energy Jobline
- **Location:** Herndon, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Programming Tools, Ethernet, Fault Tolerance, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Github, Iterative and Incremental Development, Python (Programming Language), Regression Testing, SystemVerilog, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL), Diagnostic Tools, Scripting, Serial Peripheral Interface, Code Inspection, Software Coding, Lidar, Docker
- **Published:** September 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.energyjobline.com/job/senior-firmware-engineer-herndon-31528705

## About the Role

* 7+ years relevant experience
 * BS/MS in EE or equivalent
 * Expertise with firmware engineering, VHDL (RTL), System Verilog (Testing)
 * Expertise with Digital Signal Processing, precision timing, optical comms (modems), LIDAR
 * Experience with Xilinx, Microchip, and Lattice FPGAs and their associated development tools
 * Experience developing test benches and running simulations to exercise the design and to verify compliance
 * Experience interfacing and working with hardware designers during development, integration, and test phases
 * Experience using schematics and block diagrams as inputs for firmware design
 * Experience in high-speed serial links: GTY/GTM, JESD204B/C, Ethernet, SpaceWire
 * Experience in standard peripheral interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART, LVDS, etc.
 * Experience in memory interfaces: DDR3/4, QDR, FRAM, etc.
 * Experience with GitHub, CI/CD for FPGA flows, code reviews, automated linting, synthesis, regression testing, timing closure, bitstream , release tagging

Bonus Areas

 * Experience in Python for build/testing automation and data analysis
 * Experience with Linux, scripting, Docker containers, and automation
 * Experience developing Hi-Rel/Space programs and TMR coding
 * Experience developing code (C, C++) for microcontrollers
 * Experience with VS Code

## Description

* Lead and contribute to firmware architecture and implementation for space-based electro-optical payloads and laser systems
 * Perform end-to-end firmware development lifecycle: from requirements analysis through design, coding, simulation, verification, and validation
 * Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, software, and optical engineers in cross-functional teams to define interfaces, resolve design issues, and ensure seamless system integration
 * Participate in task-based iterative development cycles, incorporating rapid feedback, frequent integration points, and incremental testing to meet mission reliability goals
 * Conduct lab-based debugging, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and system-level validation using diagnostic tools and protocols
 * Support peer code reviews, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of development processes and best practices
 * Apply high-reliability and space-grade techniques (e.g., fault tolerance, radiation mitigation) in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
 * Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and risk identification throughout the product lifecycle


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