FPGA Engineer R&D

Join to apply for the FPGA Engineer R&D role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

Seeking motivated entry to senior level FPGA engineers to join the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The role involves extensive knowledge in FPGA design. We desire a person interested in collaborating and learning with a team of fellow brilliant researchers to develop the next level of processing and analysis algorithms, possess an inquisitive mind, and have a passion to develop the best software and hardware solutions.

ARL fosters and develops some of the greatest minds that the Department of Defense (DoD) has to offer. This position seeks to train/mentor individuals in becoming experts in the area of algorithm development.

Locations include onsite in either State College, PA or Reston, VA with potential hybrid options. ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Design real-time digital signal processing systems using FPGAs
• Work on FPGA development and systems engineering
• Define and coordinate interfaces within the systems
• Develop and carry out hardware and firmware tests
• Work on signal processing algorithm development and/or optimization
• Analyze cost and risk factors involved in system development activities
• Perform system verification and validation to ensure efficiency, reliability and compatibility

This position will be filled at the professional, intermediate professional or advanced professional level, depending on your education and work experience. Minimally requires a Bachelors' degree in an Engineering or Science related discipline for the professional level.

• May mentor and/or train lower level employees and students in the department and/or division
• Perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific FPGA tasks within the project scope
• Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations, primarily related to focus areas

• Manage FPGA projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects.
• Develop project status reports for appropriate distributions
• Assist in concept development and participate in the design analyses of engineering systems independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques to assignments
• Author or co-author papers, proposals, presentations and reports on defined topics
• Contribute to proposals, reports and presentations in the division related to FPGA efforts while maintaining external research relationships

• Experience designing and testing with FPGAs
• Experience with VHDL and/or Verilog
• Knowledge and exposure to prototyping, signal processing, FPGA, cellular, wireless, algorithms, communications and creative thinking
• Programming/Scripting in MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ with a Linux operating system environment
• An ability to take your technical strengths and adapt them to new and adjacent areas of interest
• Out-of-the-box thinking to find creative solutions for cutting edge technology, design, and applications
• A solid understanding of advanced math

• Enjoy collaborating and learning with a team of fellow brilliant researchers to develop the next level of processing and analysis algorithms
• Possess an inquisitive mind and have a passion to develop the best software and hardware solutions

• We offer an environment where you have the ability to stretch yourself technically
• We provide a dynamic research environment where one can work on a variety of problems and tasks
• Excellent Work/Life balance with a generous time-off policy
• 75% off Penn State tuition for you and your family

State College is called Happy Valley for a reason! As part of the Big Ten Conference, we are a sporting event mecca. Penn State’s multi-purpose arena also…