Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering

About the job

Job Title: Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering

Job Code: 45520

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

We are seeking a Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering who wants to stay hands-on at the intersection of embedded hardware and mission-focused capability. You will turn requirements into working FPGA solutions - owning RTL design, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring-up on AMD Xilinx platforms. Working alongside systems, software, and test teams, you will help deliver dependable embedded capabilities that integrate reliably with target hardware. This is an individual-contributor role with room to lead technically through design reviews, architecture decisions, and cross-functional problem-solving.

Essential Functions:

• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog on AMD Xilinx devices (e.g., Zynq UltraScale+, Kintex, and Versal families).

• Create and maintain routing and timing constraints (XDC), close timing across PVT corners, and resolve setup/hold violations with robust implementation strategies.

• Support board-level bring-up and lab debug using Vivado tools (including ILA), oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers to isolate and resolve hardware/firmware integration issues.

• Work across the full firmware lifecycle including requirements decomposition, architecture, RTL implementation, simulation, synthesis, implementation, and release support.

• Collaborate in Agile teams, provide clear status/risk communication, and contribute to peer reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement.

• Travel up to 10% annually.

Qualifications:

• Hands-on AMD Xilinx FPGA development experience using Vivado

• RTL design skills in VHDL or Verilog.

• Experience writing and debugging routing/timing constraints (XDC) and driving timing closure.

• Experience with simulation and verification workflows plus scripting in TCL and/or Python.

• Experience in Linux-based development environments and version control workflows.

• Ability to read schematics and collaborate with hardware and software teams during integration.

• Strong lab debug and root-cause analysis skills for hardware/firmware issues.

• BS in Computer, Electrical, or Software Engineering, or equivalent experience; 4-7 years of relevant engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with high-speed interfaces and embedded processing subsystems on AMD Xilinx SoCs.

• Familiarity with secure/reliable firmware design practices for mission-critical systems.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments and automation.

• Prior defense, aerospace, communications, or radar-domain experience.

• Experience supporting production and sustainment firmware updates.

• Possess or ability to obtain TS/SCI Clearance w/ CI Poly.

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