FPGA / Firmware Engineer

We are seeking a FPGA/Firmware Engineer to join a defense electronics development team focused on high-reliability systems for RF, ISR, RADAR, SATCOM, and Environmental Control System (ECS) applications. You will design, implement, and verify complex firmware for FPGA-based and embedded control systems, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver mission-critical products for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers., * Architect, implement, and optimize firmware for FPGA and embedded control systems using VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.

• Develop and maintain low-level control and data-processing logic for mixed-signal and RF systems.
• Develop and maintain logic to support neural network processing and algorithmic functions within FPGA-based platforms.
• Integrate firmware with higher-level embedded software and hardware components to ensure seamless system operation.
• Define and implement FPGA architectures for signal processing, control logic, and interface management.
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineers to define timing, interface, and performance requirements for complex defense and aerospace systems.
• Participate in schematic and board-level design reviews to ensure compatibility and optimal interaction between firmware and hardware.
• Develop simulation testbenches and perform verification at module and system levels using tools such as Questa, Vivado, or equivalent EDA environments.
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debug activities in the lab using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF test equipment.
• Document design approaches, implementation details, test procedures, and verification results in accordance with internal processes and applicable Department of Defense standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware development, verification, and integration practices within the engineering team.

Vivado Verilog Firmware Debugging Scripting Visionary Automation Innovation Embedded C Electronics Reliability Simulations Test Design PCI Express Oscilloscope Communication Team Oriented Test Planning Digital Logic Test Equipment Logic Analyzer Radio Frequency DO-254 Standard Data Processing Digital Systems Data Acquisition Embedded Systems Embedded Software Signal Processing Electronic Warfare Systems Engineering Systems Integration Integrated Circuits Hardware Components Computer Engineering Firmware Development Design Specifications Aerospace Engineering Environmental Control Clock Domain Crossing Electrical Engineering C (Programming Language) Integrated Circuit Design Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Artificial Neural Networks Integrated Service Routers Serial Peripheral Interface Autodesk Mechanical Desktop Python (Programming Language) Continuous Improvement Process Design Elements And Principles Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Military Standards And Specifications VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) Questa Advanced Verification (Siemens EDA) SystemVerilog (Direct Programming Interface), * U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain or hold a Department of Defense security clearance.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing firmware for FPGA or embedded systems in aerospace or defense environments.
• Strong proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog for FPGA and digital logic design.
• Experience with Xilinx/AMD, Intel/Altera, or Microchip/Microsemi FPGA toolchains and development environments.
• Solid understanding of digital logic design principles, including timing closure, clock domain crossing, and simulation methodologies.
• Hands-on experience integrating firmware with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204B/C, SPI, and UART.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute simulation testbenches and verification plans using tools like Questa and Vivado.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to produce clear design specifications, test plans, and verification reports.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams in RF, digital, and systems engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with DO-254, MIL-STD-461, or other relevant defense and aerospace design standards.
• Experience developing firmware for RF, electronic warfare (EW), or satellite communications systems.
• Exposure to embedded C or C++ for low-level software integration and control.
• Experience using Python-based test frameworks or scripting for automation and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
• Experience in digital circuit design beyond FPGA implementation, including board-level considerations.
• Experience in signal processing or data acquisition firmware design, particularly for mixed-signal and RF applications.
• Interest in working on advanced systems across product lines such as RF front ends, mixed-signal solutions, and digital subsystems., Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors., Radar Vivado Verilog Firmware Debugging Scripting Visionary Automation Innovation Embedded C Electronics Reliability Simulations Test Design PCI Express Oscilloscope Communication Team Oriented Test Planning Digital Logic Test Equipment Logic Analyzer Radio Frequency DO-254 Standard Data Processing Digital Systems Data Acquisition Embedded Systems Embedded Software Signal Processing Electronic Warfare Systems Engineering Systems Integration Integrated Circuits Hardware Components Computer Engineering Firmware Development Design Specifications Aerospace Engineering Environmental Control Clock Domain Crossing Electrical Engineering C (Programming Language) Integrated Circuit Design Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Artificial Neural Networks Integrated Service Routers Serial Peripheral Interface Autodesk Mechanical Desktop Python (Programming Language) Continuous Improvement Process Design Elements And Principles Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Military Standards And Specifications VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) Questa Advanced Verification (Siemens EDA) SystemVerilog (Direct Programming Interface)

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.