Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior FPGA Engineer to join our FAST Labs team. You will lead or support the design, development, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems supporting critical defense applications including Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EOIR), Communications, and Radar systems. You will be responsible for architecting solutions, guiding technical decisions, and working within a team of engineers throughout the development lifecycle. This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise and contribute to innovative research products in a dynamic environment.
BAE Systems offers competitive compensation, an excellent benefits package (including tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees), and a flexible work schedule, including every other Friday off. This role is a
hybrid position, allowing you to balance on-site collaboration with remote work.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with 4+ years of experience
- Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
- HDL Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in a Hardware Description Language (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog, including experience with code and design reviews.
- Digital Logic Design & Architecture: Deep understanding of digital logic design principles, FPGA architectures (e.g., Xilinx, Intel), and system-level design considerations relevant to signal processing and real-time systems.
- FPGA Development Tool Expertise: Strong proficiency with FPGA development tools from Xilinx (Vivado, ISE) or Intel (Quartus Prime), including synthesis, place & route, timing closure, and debugging.
- Simulation & Verification Methodologies: Experience with digital logic simulation tools (e.g. QuestSim, Xcelium) and fixed point modeling for RTL verification
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. C, C++, Python, MATLAB) for embedded systems development, testbench creation, and data analysis.
- High-Speed Serial Interfaces: Demonstrated experience with high-speed serial communication protocols (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204B) - including protocol analysis, implementation, and signal integrity considerations.
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proven track record of resolving complex technical challenges in a defense-related environment.
- Communication & Leadership: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, and to lead and mentor junior engineers. Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance.
- Version Control Systems: Expertise with version control systems (e.g., Git) and software configuration management.
Preferred Skills and Education- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with a specialization in FPGA design, digital signal processing, or RF/microwave engineering.
- Experience with Defense Applications: Prior experience developing FPGA-based systems for RFEW, EOIR, or Radar applications.
- Embedded Systems Architecture: Experience with embedded processor architectures (e.g., ARM, PowerPC) and their integration with FPGAs in real-time systems.
- DSP Implementation: Strong understanding of digital signal processing algorithms (e.g., FFTs, filters, modulation/demodulation techniques) and their efficient implementation on FPGAs.
- System-Level Modeling: Experience with system-level modeling tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, SystemC) for algorithm prototyping and system validation.
- Board-Level Debugging: Experience with board-level debugging techniques using test and measurement equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers).