> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3552159-firmware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3552159-firmware-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Firmware Engineer - **Company:** Actalent - **Location:** Centennial, CO, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $151,840.0 - $201,760.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Altium Designer, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Datasheets, Software Debugging, Linux, Programming Tools, Logic Synthesis of Circuits, Linux on Embedded Systems, Ethernet, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Description Language, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, MATLAB, RS-485 Standard, Schematic Capture, Signal Integrity, Software Engineering, Static Timing Analysis, Systems Integration, TCP/IP, VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL), Visual Systems, Linux Development, Yocto, Vulnerability Analysis - **Published:** October 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/8856916127B446A4A503D157F5599125/job/ ## About the Role * At least 8 years of professional, full-time experience in firmware engineering. * At least 8 years of experience in FPGA firmware design using VHDL. * Bachelors degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline. * Strong proficiency in FPGA-based development in VHDL, including coding, simulation, and testing. * Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with hand-coded FPGA implementation. * Exposure to AI-assisted implementation techniques in VHDL. * Experience with synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis for FPGA designs. * Ability to debug complex FPGA designs in lab environments. * Familiarity with software interfaces for FPGA designs, including interrupts and DMA. * Understanding of high-speed memory and transceiver interfaces such as DDR4 and Aurora. * Knowledge of hardware and software integration practices for FPGA-based systems. * Ability to analyze technical specifications, datasheets, and manuals to inform design decisions. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Experience with Linux development or strong familiarity with Linux-based environments. * Experience working in Yocto-based embedded Linux environments. * Knowledge of communication interfaces such as RS422/RS485, I²C, SPI, Ethernet/GigE, TCP/IP, UDP, and CAN. * Experience with high-speed interfaces including DDR and multi-gigabit transceivers. * Hands-on experience with Xilinx/AMD Versal FPGA architectures. * Experience designing FPGAs and embedded systems for radiation environments, including understanding SEU/SEL impacts and mitigation techniques. * Experience in FPGA-based image processing algorithms, particularly for space or optical systems. * Proven ability to create FPGA IP cores from scratch and integrate them into complex systems. * Familiarity with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB, and experience translating algorithms from scripted languages into HDL implementations. * Experience with AXI Stream and AXI Memory Mapped interfaces for data movement and system integration. * Experience in PCB design, schematic capture, and layout using tools such as Altium Designer. * Interest in space domain awareness and optical systems, including on-board processing of sensor data to deliver optimized results to customers. * Strong collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from and share knowledge with experts across hardware, firmware, and software disciplines. ## Description As a Sr Firmware Engineer II, you will design and develop advanced FPGA-based firmware in VHDL to support cutting-edge electro-optical and infrared space payloads. You will collaborate closely with hardware and software teams to define requirements, implement and test FPGA logic, and ensure reliable operation in demanding space and radiation environments. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to mission-critical space domain awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems using the latest FPGA technologies, including Xilinx devices, in a fully remote setting., * Collaborate with the hardware design team to understand and refine system and FPGA requirements. * Complete FPGA logic design, coding, simulation, and verification in VHDL. * Perform synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis to ensure robust, high-performance FPGA designs. * Support hardware and software development teams during product bring-up, integration, and testing. * Provide subject-matter expertise on FPGA design practices and automated test development procedures to internal teams and customers. * Conduct research and analysis of customer specifications, datasheets, and technical manuals to determine design approaches and feasibility. * Execute debugging and validation of FPGA designs in the lab and in relevant test environments. * Develop and refine software interfaces for FPGA designs, including interrupts and DMA-based data transfers. * Contribute to the development and optimization of FPGA-based image processing algorithms for space-based payloads. * Design and verify high-speed interfaces such as DDR4, Aurora, and multi-gigabit transceivers. * Create new IP cores from scratch and integrate them with existing FPGA architectures and AXI-based interfaces. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address radiation environment challenges, including SEU/SEL impact analysis and mitigation strategies. * Support PCB design activities by providing input on FPGA-related schematic capture, layout, and signal integrity considerations. * Participate in continuous learning and knowledge sharing with a multidisciplinary team focused on achieving complex mission objectives in space domain awareness., This position is fully remote, offering flexibility in where you work while contributing to advanced space-based optical and sensing systems. You will collaborate virtually with a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team where everyone brings deep expertise and continuously learns from one another to achieve complex mission goals. The work focuses on space domain awareness and ISR payloads, including on-board processing of electro-optical and infrared data to deliver high-value information from telescopes and satellites. You will use modern development tools and technologies such as Xilinx FPGAs, VHDL, Linux and Yocto environments, high-speed interfaces like DDR4 and Aurora, and PCB design tools such as Altium Designer. Periodic travel of up to approximately two weeks per quarter may be required for on-site integration, testing, or team collaboration. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, shared problem-solving, and a strong sense of purpose in supporting critical space missions. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [ I Gave a Video Editor More Autonomy Than a Trading Bot. On Purpose.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/773-i-gave-a-video-editor-more-autonomy-than-a-trading-bot-on-purpose) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)