FPGA Design Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an FPGA Design Engineer to support the development of safety-critical digital systems for aerospace applications. This role involves VHDL design, simulation, synthesis, place-and-route support, timing analysis, troubleshooting, and the development of DO-254 related documentation.

The selected engineer will contribute to requirements-based FPGA design activities, including design specifications, requirements updates, traceability documentation, design descriptions, and verification support. This is a highly collaborative role that also requires self-motivation, proactivity, and the ability to work through technical challenges independently.

• Develop and support FPGA designs using VHDL for safety-critical aerospace applications.
• Implement and modify RTL designs supporting communication protocols, memory interfaces, data management, processor interfaces, and related digital functions.
• Perform FPGA design activities including simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, pin-out definition, and design constraint development.
• Troubleshoot RTL design issues using simulation environments, debug tools, and structured root cause analysis.
• Support I/O timing analysis and resolve timing-related design challenges.
• Develop and maintain DO-254 related documentation, including requirements, design descriptions, design specifications, traceability documentation, and verification artifacts.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, verification, and project engineering teams to ensure design intent, requirements, and implementation remain aligned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of FPGA design experience in aerospace, defense, avionics, or another safety-critical engineering environment.
• Experience with RTL design, simulation, synthesis, implementation, place-and-route, and timing closure.
• Ability to implement FPGA functions related to communication protocols, memory interfaces, data management, processor interfaces, or similar digital design applications.
• Experience developing and applying FPGA design constraints, pin-out assignments, routing considerations, and I/O timing analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot RTL design flaws using simulation environments and structured debug/root cause analysis methods.
• Working knowledge of digital systems, FPGA design methodologies, testing practices, and hardware/software or system-level integration.
• Prior experience working within a DO-254 development environment.
• Experience developing or supporting DO-254 documentation, including requirements, design descriptions, design specifications, and traceability documentation.
• Familiarity with requirements-based design practices in safety-critical or regulated development environments.

• Experience developing FPGA designs for avionics, aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical applications.
• Familiarity with DAL-A design practices, certification expectations, and requirements-based design methodology.
• Working knowledge of FAA AC 20-152A guidance or similar safety-critical compliance standards.
• Experience supporting design reviews, documentation audits, or certification-related engineering activities.
• Experience with FPGA design for communication protocols, memory interfaces, processor interfaces, or data management functions.
• Strong understanding of timing closure, I/O timing analysis, design constraints, and FPGA implementation challenges.
• Experience collaborating with distributed or remote engineering teams.
• Ability to quickly come up to speed on an existing design, identify issues, and contribute solutions within a short-term project environment.
• Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

• Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications.
• Pay range: $80 - $90 USD per hour.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, collaborative workplace.

At QDSS, we offer purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and create lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.