Embedded Firmware Engineer - FPGA Development

Embedded Firmware Engineer - FPGA Development - (FEFE
041526.1)

Cimarron is seeking a Embedded Firmware Engineer to contribute to FPGA logic development and verification for advanced embedded systems. This work will be done at a facility located in Cedar Park, TX. The role emphasizes designing, implementing, optimizing, and verifying FPGA firmware for Microchip Polar Fire SoCs, which combine RISC‑V processors with low‑power FPGA fabric for high‑reliability applications. As the counterpart to our Linux software engineering team, you will collaborate closely on integrating FPGA logic with custom Linux distributions, ensuring seamless performance on custom hardware.

You will work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment to deliver robust firmware for mission‑critical space applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and industrial automation.

• Design, develop, and verify FPGA logic using VHDL/Verilog/System Verilog for Microchip Polar Fire SoCs, including programmable logic, DSP blocks, and high‑speed interfaces (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet, SERDES).
• Create and optimize IP cores and custom peripherals/accelerators tailored to Polar Fire's architecture.
• Integrate FPGA firmware with embedded processors (e.g., RISC‑V cores) and collaborate with software teams to support Board Support Packages (BSPs) and Linux kernel drivers.
• Build RTL verification environments with test benches using UVM methodologies for design correctness and coverage.
• Perform functional verification, simulation, regression testing, and coverage analysis (e.g., functional, code, assertion).
• Conduct synthesis, place‑and‑route, timing analysis, and debugging using tools like Libero SoC, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Implement radiation‑tolerant and fault‑tolerant designs for space‑grade applications.
• Develop automated test benches and CI pipelines for verification, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Contribute to system architecture, security, and real‑time processing requirements.
• Participate in code reviews, documentation, and stay updated on FPGA technologies and open‑source contributions.

• Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time.
• 3–5 years of experience in embedded firmware development, with 3+ years in FPGA design and verification.
• Proficiency in VHDL/Verilog/System Verilog for RTL design and FPGA development.
• Hands‑on experience with RTL verification, test benches, and UVM methodologies.
• Familiarity with FPGA design flows, including simulation (e.g., Model Sim), synthesis, and Libero SoC tools.
• Knowledge of digital design principles (e.g., clock domains, pipelining, AXI/Avalon protocols) and verification concepts like constrained‑random testing.
• Experience with real‑time systems and FPGA integration with Linux/RTOS.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Resumes should list employment dates in month/year format (e.g., January 2020 – March 2024) for each position to meet customer and contract documentation requirements.

Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

• Major Medical and Hospitalization
• Vision Care
• Preventive Care
• Ancillary Benefits
  • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Short‑Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Long‑Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Additional Life and Dependent Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Direct Deposit
• Other Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Leave
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Wellness Program