FPGA Design Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

We are seeking a talented FPGA engineer to join the digital design team. The successful candidate will contribute to FPGA development with an emphasis on architecture, design, simulation, and test/support. The candidate must have experience using high‑level design and simulation tools, be familiar with process flows supporting digital FPGA efforts, and be comfortable with embedded software development for FPGA SoCs.

The ideal candidate will work independently as well as communicate effectively with team members from multiple engineering, program, and customer groups. As a principal member, you will have leadership opportunities and mentoring responsibilities. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of hardware security, signal or image processing, filter design, and algorithm implementation in hardware. Direct experience with embedded FPGA design is required.

• Translate project and system requirements into well‑defined hardware architectures, working with cross‑functional teams.
• Design and/or complete instruments, including microprocessors, power, and analog components.
• Innovatively solve issues, drive project completion to schedule, and collaborate with other technical contributors.
• Build and test prototypes, debug, and prepare documentation for manufacturing and support.
• Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting‑edge designs.
• Engage other engineers and partners to develop reliable, cost‑effective solutions.
• Collaborate and communicate with management, internal, and development partners regarding design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
• Execute assignments independently with minimal oversight.
• Apply technical knowledge to solve problems.
• Contribute high‑quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in electronic design, microprocessor or embedded computing.
• Understanding of design and general computer architecture.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Computer programming and coding abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Bachelor’s degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

3‑5 years of experience in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Fluent in Verilog or VHDL.
• Significant experience in FPGA design / development.
• Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado and/or Microsemi Libero.
• Digital simulation using Modelsim/Questa.
• Experience with design closure, including timing, power, and area for SWaP‑constrained designs.
• Experience with high‑speed interfaces such as SERDES, PCIe, DDR2/3/4, LVDS.
• Experience implementing digital signal processing algorithms.
• Strong analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with scripting languages.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Self‑starter and a good team player.
• Ability to mentor and willingness to be mentored.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink.
• UVM skills (test and/or test‑bench development).
• Experience in hardware design and hands‑on lab debugging.
• Experience working with FPGA design verification teams.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 – $.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please contact