Principal FPGA Engineer II

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) Engineer II supporting Research & Development of Alcon's Surgical Instrumentation in Goleta, CA
, you will be trusted to assist in the design of next‑gen surgical cameras used in eye surgery.

• Designing FPGA logic using VHDL or Verilog, and writing test benches for functional simulation.
• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.
• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.
• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high‑resolution image sensors, temperature sensor, flash memories, etc.
• Programming embedded processors using C language.
• Testing embedded systems through UART/RS‑232, J‑tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.
• Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology, using version control to commit and push firmware code, and performing code reviews through pull requests.
• Maintaining an automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.
• Creating host computer test tools or scripts using C/C++ or Python to test embedded systems.
• Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematics and layout.
• Working with software developers for software/hardware interfacing.
• Providing guidance and mentoring junior FPGA engineers.
• Interacting with other departments within Alcon and external vendors, suppliers.
• Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.
• Writing detailed design documentation.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design, including DDR memory interfacing, finite state machine‑based architectures, and applying best‑practice timing optimization—such as developing constraint files to ensure timing closure.
• Proficient with major FPGA development environments such as Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, and/or Microchip Libero
  
  SoC; experienced with FPGA functional simulation tools including Model Sim or Questa.
• Proficient with following programming languages: VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog; C/C++;
  Python.
• Knowledge of basic interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART/RS‑232.
• Experience using version controls to maintain code.
• Experience with Hyper Terminal, Tera Term, or equivalent.
• Ability to read and understand schematics and PCB layout.
• Hands‑on experience using standard electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, analyzers, etc.) with strong ability to troubleshoot issues at the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) level.

• Join Alcon's mission to provide top‑tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight and enhance lives.
• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.
• Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!
• Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
• Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

Alcon's Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and wellbeing, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range…