Senior FPGA Technical Lead

The selected engineer will serve as a technical lead supporting FPGA design and verification activities for mission-critical aircraft systems. Responsibilities will include requirements-based design support, elemental analysis, coverage metrics review, simulation, hardware testing, fault injection, failure analysis, and certification artifact development. This role requires strong DO-254 expertise and the ability to guide technical execution, review artifacts, identify compliance gaps, and ensure design and verification activities align with certification expectations., * Serve as a technical lead for FPGA design, verification, and DO-254 certification-related activities.

• Support safety-critical FPGA development using VHDL and RTL design practices.
• Review and assess Register Transfer Level designs for FPGA implementation, verification readiness, and certification alignment.
• Develop, review, and maintain DO-254 related documentation, including requirements, design descriptions, design specifications, traceability, verification evidence, and certification support artifacts.
• Support requirements-based design and verification activities within a DAL-A or other safety-critical development environment.
• Perform or support elemental analysis to ensure design elements are properly identified, verified, and traced to requirements.
• Evaluate coverage metrics, including functional coverage, structural coverage, and robustness testing results.
• Support FPGA verification methods including simulation, hardware testing, fault injection, and failure analysis.
• Troubleshoot RTL design and verification issues using simulation environments, structured debug methods, and root cause analysis.
• Support FPGA implementation activities including synthesis, place and route, timing analysis, I/O timing, design constraints, and pin-out considerations.
• Identify technical and certification risks, communicate gaps clearly, and help drive practical solutions with the engineering team.
• Collaborate with design, verification, systems, hardware, program, and certification stakeholders in a remote engineering environment.

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of relevant FPGA design, verification, or certification experience in aerospace, defense, avionics, or another safety-critical engineering environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with FPGA development using VHDL.
• Strong understanding of Register Transfer Level design for FPGA applications.
• Experience working within a DO-254 development and certification environment.
• Experience with requirements-based design and verification practices for safety-critical digital hardware.
• Knowledge of FPGA verification methods, including simulation, hardware testing, fault injection, and failure analysis.
• Experience evaluating coverage metrics such as functional coverage, structural coverage, and robustness testing.
• Familiarity with elemental analysis in support of DO-254 compliance.
• Experience with FPGA design implementation activities such as synthesis, place and route, timing closure, design constraints, pin-out, and I/O timing analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot RTL design and verification issues using simulation environments and structured root cause analysis.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, identify gaps, and work proactively with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong communication with the project team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior technical lead experience on FPGA, digital hardware, or DO-254 certification programs.
• Experience supporting DAL-A FPGA or complex electronic hardware development.
• Strong understanding of DO-254 certification expectations, audit readiness, and compliance artifact reviews.
• Working knowledge of FAA AC 20-152A guidance or similar safety-critical compliance standards.
• Experience leading or supporting certification reviews, design reviews, verification reviews, or artifact gap assessments.
• Experience with safety-critical avionics programs for Collins Aerospace, RTX, or similar aerospace/defense organizations.
• Experience with FPGA designs involving communication protocols, memory interfaces, processor interfaces, data management, or other complex digital functions.
• Ability to quickly assess an existing FPGA design and verification baseline, identify risks, and help the team close gaps within a short-term project timeline.
• Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Technologies, Tools & Methodologies

• VHDL
• FPGA design and verification
• Register Transfer Level design
• DO-254 compliance
• FAA AC 20-152A guidance
• Requirements-based design and verification
• Elemental analysis

3.33.3 out of 5 stars Huntsville, AL Remote $80 - $90 an hour - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Opportunities for advancement, This is a temporary hourly position with the potential for extension or conversion to a regular full-time salaried position based on business needs, performance, and available opportunities. Conversion is not guaranteed., * Structural coverage
• Robustness testing
• Simulation-based verification
• Hardware testing
• Fault injection
• Failure analysis
• Timing analysis
• Synthesis, place and route
• Safety-critical avionics development

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You'll Find Here

• Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Engineers are the reason we exist-they're the core of who we are. Embark on a journey with EXB Solutions at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity. What we do matters., At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry - we're revolutionizing it.