FPGA Engineer III

Grow with us and stay extraordinary

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber‑secure solutions. From software‑defined radios to cutting‑edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission‑driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits.

We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

As an FPGA Engineer III
, you will design, develop, and test Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that power safety‑critical logic, sensor integration, optical systems, communication interfaces, and high‑performance processing architectures. You’ll play a key role in implementing and optimizing logic designs, integrating FPGA/SoC platforms, and supporting lab validation and troubleshooting for space‑based applications
. Success in this role requires not only expertise in FPGA development but also in‑depth networking protocol knowledge to ensure seamless communication across complex digital systems. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission‑critical solutions that meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety standards.

Applicants must currently hold an active U.S. security clearance.

• Design & implement: develop and optimize RTL/synthesizable FPGA/SoC logic for mission‑critical applications.
• Verify: create HDL test benches to validate functionality, conduct synthesis, timing analysis, and performance optimization.
• Validate hardware: support FPGA bring‑up, debug FPGA/SoC interfaces, and perform lab‑based validation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate: work with hardware, software, and systems engineers to ensure seamless FPGA integration.
• Contribute: provide input during feasibility studies, design reviews, and documentation of technical findings.
• Refine: apply and enhance FPGA methodologies including version control, simulation, automation, and best practices.
• Stay current: monitor advancements in FPGA technologies and industry standards to evolve design approaches.

• FPGA development: skilled in VHDL/Verilog coding, RTL design, verification, and optimization.
• Networking protocols: deep understanding of high‑speed communication and networking protocols, with proven ability to integrate them into FPGA designs.
• Debugging & validation: proficient with simulation tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab equipment for FPGA/SoC validation.
• Technical problem solving: strong analytical thinker who balances performance, thermal, and power constraints.
• Collaboration & communication: effective partner across engineering disciplines with strong verbal and written skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working with complex FPGAs or ASICs.
• 3+ years of experience with VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA development.
• 3+ years of experience with complex digital designs, including memory interfaces, high‑speed communication protocols, or signal processing.
• Hands‑on experience in one or more FPGA phases: RTL design, verification, synthesis/implementation, timing closure, or lab bring‑up/validation.
• Familiarity with FPGA tool chains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, Model Sim, Questa Sim).
• In‑depth networking protocol knowledge.
• Experience with SoC architectures and embedded processor integration preferred.
• Knowledge of DO‑254, radiation‑hardened FPGA design, or space‑grade FPGA applications a plus.
• Scripting experience (Python, TCL, Perl) for design automation.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills using simulation and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of FPGA power, thermal constraints, and resource optimization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Applicants must currently hold an active U.S. security clearance.

The starting base salary for this position ranges…