Hardware Design Engineer

The primary role of the Hardware Design Engineer is to lead FPGA architecture, design, and development efforts in support of advanced embedded systems solutions. This position works closely with software and system engineers to architect, implement, verify, and debug FPGA and embedded firmware designs. The ideal candidate is technically strong, adaptable, customer-focused, and capable of leading small technical efforts while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to continuous innovation.., * Lead FPGA architecture, design, coding, verification, and lab debug activities

• Develop and analyst RTL using VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog
• Perform FPGA synthesis, place & route, and timing analysis using industry standard tools (e.g., Vivaldo, Quartus)
• Develop and execute test benches for verification and validation
• Collaborate with software and system engineers to define hardware/firmware interfaces
• Integrate and validate FPGA designs within embedded systems environments
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership initiatives

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 6 years of experience
• Experience with RTL development (VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog)
• Experience with FPGA Design, synthesis, P&R tools (ex-Vivaldo, Quartus)
• Experience developing Verilog/System and Verilog test benches
• Exposure to DSP concepts and Signals & Systems
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows environment
• Strong oral/written communication
• An active TS/SCI with polygraph

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience with Software Defined Radio (SDR) concepts & tools (GNU Radio, Matlab, etc.)
• Experience with C/C++, Bash, Tcl/TK, and GitLab
• Experience with FPGA design using Xilinx’s Vivaldo Tool Suite
• Experience using soft/hard IP cores in FPGAs/ASICs (ex Zynq or Microblaze or RISC processors, memories, flash/NVM)
• Exposure to embedded software development
• Exposure to PCB design and development
• Python scripting

Salary Range: $125000 - $240,000

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees’ total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

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)