Sr FPGA / Firmware Engineer

Job Title: FPGA / Firmware Engineer

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative engineering environment that supports advanced development for Department of Defense and aerospace programs across product lines including advanced systems, RF front ends, mixed-signal solutions, and digital systems. The role involves close interaction with electrical, RF, and systems engineers, and frequent use of modern FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx/AMD, Intel/Altera, or Microchip/Microsemi environments. Day-to-day work includes simulation and verification using tools like Questa and Vivado, as well as hands-on lab activities involving logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF test equipment for hardware bring-up and system integration. The setting emphasizes high reliability, adherence to defense standards, and rigorous design and verification practices, providing opportunities to contribute to mission-critical products in a professional, technically challenging, and team-oriented atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.11 - $95.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 4, 2026.

About Actalent

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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.