Senior Firmware​/FPGA Engineer - Space Technologies

Senior Firmware/FPGA Engineer – Space Technologies (AV)

AV Inc. seeks a skilled Senior FPGA Engineer to join a multi‑disciplinary team within the Space Tech division. This role focuses on developing high‑performance digital systems for electromechanical, electro‑optical, control, and communication solutions, utilizing SoC, FPGA, GPP, and microcontroller architectures.

• Perform end‑to‑end firmware development and validation for space electronics.
• Architect and implement mission‑specific and general‑purpose firmware for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS‑based systems.
• Develop and maintain firmware for standard and specialized peripheral interfaces: analog‑to‑digital (ADC) and digital‑to‑analog (DAC) converters; serial communication links (Space Wire, SPI, Camera Link, 1
  
  Gb+ Ethernet, MIL‑1553B).
• Optimize embedded software for radiation‑hardened and high‑reliability space environments.
• Develop and maintain automated build scripts (TCL) for the FPGA firmware platform.
• Conduct rigorous system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real‑world aerospace conditions.
• Deploy and verify firmware functionality on physical hardware devices.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless system functionality.
• Ensure technical compliance with relevant space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL‑STD).

• Education:
  
  bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• At least six years of experience designing and implementing FPGA and embedded firmware solutions for aerospace or space applications.
• Proficiency with VHDL or Verilog, and proven ability to take designs from concept to physical hardware implementation.
• Experience with Xilinx devices (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex) and Vivado or ISE; experience with Microchip devices (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4) and Libero.
• Experience with tool command language (TCL) for build automation.
• Knowledge of hardware implementation, digital design techniques, multiple clock‑domain management, and verification/debug using in‑system debuggers and logic analyzers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

• Knowledge of RTOS, bare‑metal firmware, hardware‑software co‑design principles.
• Experience with modern verification techniques (linting, constrained random testing).
• Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices, FPGA floor planning, System Generator, hardware accelerators, and space communication protocols.
• Experience in C/C++, Python, or Java for embedded software or scripting tasks.
• Familiarity with alternative synthesis and simulation environments (Synopsys, Aldec).

$125,000 – $183,000 (based on location, role, experience, and key skills).

Top Secret with Poly.

This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR or be approved for an export license. Current U.S. citizenship may be required for certain positions.

AV offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, paid holiday shutdown, and additional benefits. For more information, visit

Based in California, Aero Vironment (AV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971, the company has pioneered advanced UAV technologies and supports U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services.

Aero Vironment is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. No discrimination will be based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or sexual orientation.

Mid‑Senior Level

Full‑time