FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer – Space Technology

At AV, we push the limits of what's possible in aerospace and defense. Our Space Tech Division is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team developing high-performance electromechanical, electro-optical, control, and communication systems. From advanced digital signal processing algorithms to integrated SoC/FPGA architectures, we build the brains behind next-generation space technology.

We are looking for an adaptable, curious, and skilled FPGA Engineer to join us. If you enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same, and you are eager to grow your skills alongside industry experts, we want to hear from you.

Your Day-to-Day (Key Responsibilities)

As part of our collaborative engineering team, you will dive into a diverse mix of firmware design, system integration, and cutting-edge hardware development. On any given day, you will:

• Design & Develop:
  Author and maintain general-purpose and mission-specific RTL/firmware for space electronics, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems.
• Build Critical Interfaces:
  Develop firmware for vital peripheral interfaces, including Converters (ADC/DAC) and high-speed communication links (Space Wire, SPI, Camera Link, 1
  
  Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B).
• Automate & Deploy:
  Create and optimize automated FPGA platform build scripts, and get hands-on by deploying firmware directly to physical hardware.
• Optimize for Space:
  Fine-tune embedded software to ensure fault tolerance and high reliability in radiation-hardened environments.
• Test & Validate:
  Conduct hardware-in-the-loop system integration, testing, and validation under both simulated and real-world aerospace conditions.
• Ensure Excellence:
  Support the team in maintaining alignment with rigorous space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD).

What You Bring (Qualifications)

We are seeking a foundational engineer who loves solving hardware puzzles and is ready to take their experience to the next level.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Core
  
  Experience:
  
  2–3 years of professional experience designing with Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog).
• Hands-on
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven experience deploying firmware to physical devices, as well as conducting system integration, testing, and validation.
• Security:
  Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications (The "Nice-to-Haves"):

• If you have familiarity with or exposure to any of the following, we'd love to talk about it!
• Hardware & Tools:
  Experience with Xilinx devices/tool chains (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex via Vivado/ISE) or Microchip devices/tool chains (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4 via Libero).
• Design Techniques:
  Familiarity with multiple clock-domain design, physical constraints, floor planning, and in-system debuggers/logic analyzers.
• Software & Scripting:
  Knowledge of C/C++, Python, Java, or Tool Command Language (TCL).
• Verification & Architecture:
  Exposure to linting, constrained random testing, RTOS, bare-metal development, or hardware-software co-design.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee.

See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

We also encourage you to review our company website at  to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Based in California, Aero Vironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned…