Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced FPGA Firmware Engineer to support Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems within a defense-focused engineering environment. This role emphasizes hardware description language (HDL) development and application design for embedded system-on-chip (SoC) platforms, while also contributing to broader embedded software development efforts including architecture, integration, testing, automation, and system demonstrations.
This position is contingent upon funding.
Architect software and firmware systems for embedded SoC hardware platforms
Design, develop, and maintain new and legacy FPGA logic components
Develop communication interfaces between distributed software components
Create embedded Linux applications and drivers to integrate FPGA hardware with software systems
Package and integrate IP components within FPGA block designs
Design and develop testbenches and validation tools
Develop for and integrate with digital signal processors (DSPs)
Implement partial reconfiguration strategies for FPGA platforms
Utilize containerization approaches to dynamically program FPGAs
Automate development workflows using scripting tools
Participate in system integration activities and technical demonstrations
5-8 years of experience developing and maintaining FPGA firmware
Proficiency in VHDL and familiarity with high-level programming languages such as C/C++
Comfortable working in Linux development environments
Strong understanding of software development life cycles
Formal education or equivalent experience in systems engineering, software engineering, or related discipline
Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical team
U.S. Citizenship required
Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required
Experience developing embedded software for general-purpose processors (GPPs) and/or DSPs
Experience with embedded Linux and SoC-based architectures
Experience with Xilinx FPGAs and Vivado/Vitis toolchains
Familiarity with embedded OS build systems such as Yocto, Buildroot, or PetaLinux
Experience with SDR platforms and related frameworks
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash and TCL
Familiarity with MATLAB for signal processing and modeling
Experience with containerization and virtualization tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, Ansible)
Familiarity with modular open systems architectures such as CMOSS, SOSA, MORA, VICTORY, or OpenVPX
Occasional domestic travel (less than 10%) to support stakeholder meetings, system integration, and demonstrations