FPGA Engineer

AV is seeking skilled and adaptable FPGA engineers to support a multi‑disciplinary team developing high‑performance electromechanical, electro‑optical, control, and communication systems for space technology. The engineer will work on digital signal processing algorithms deployed using System on Chip (SoC) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in combination with general purpose processors and microcontrollers.

• Develop and maintain general‑purpose and mission specific RTL/firmware
• Develop and maintain firmware for peripheral interfaces, analog‑to‑digital converters, digital‑to‑analog converters, and serial links and communication interfaces (Space Wire, SPI, Camera Link, 1
  
  Gb+ Ethernet, MIL‑1553B)
• Develop and maintain automated FPGA firmware platform build scripts
• Deploy firmware to physical devices
• Architect and develop firmware for space electronics, including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS‑based systems
• Optimize embedded software for radiation‑hardened and high‑reliability environments
• Conduct system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real‑world aerospace conditions
• Support compliance with space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL‑STD)

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
• 2–3 years of professional experience designing with hardware description languages (VHDL or Verilog)
• Experience deploying firmware to physical devices
• Experience conducting system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real‑world conditions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

• Experience using Xilinx devices (Zynq, Virtex or Kintex) and tool chains (Vivado, ISE)
• Experience using Microchip devices (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4) and tool chains (Libero)
• Experience with firmware development in embedded systems for aerospace or space applications
• Knowledge of serial communication protocols and standards
• Familiarity with multiple clock‑domain digital design techniques
• Familiarity with in‑system debuggers and logic analyzers
• Familiarity with designing and managing FPGA physical constraints
• Familiarity with Tool Command Language (TCL)
• Proven experience taking VHDL or Verilog designs to a hardware environment
• Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices and System Generator
• Familiarity with FPGA floor‑planning techniques
• Experience with other computing languages (C/C++, Python, Java)
• Experience with verification techniques, including linting and constrained random testing
• Knowledge of RTOS, bare‑metal firmware, and hardware‑software co‑design
• Experience with hardware accelerators and space communication protocols
• Familiarity with synthesis and simulation environments (Synopsys, Aldec)

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants will be asked to provide documentation to verify U.S. person status. Current U.S. citizenship may be required for certain contract obligations.

AV offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.