Job Description:
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced FPGA Firmware Engineer to support Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems within a defense-focused engineering environment. This role emphasizes hardware description language (HDL) development and application design for embedded system-on-chip (SoC) platforms, while also contributing to broader embedded software development efforts including architecture, integration, testing, automation, and system demonstrations.
This position is contingent upon funding.
What You Will Do
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Architect software and firmware systems for embedded SoC hardware platforms
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Design, develop, and maintain new and legacy FPGA logic components
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Develop communication interfaces between distributed software components
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Create embedded Linux applications and drivers to integrate FPGA hardware with software systems
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Package and integrate IP components within FPGA block designs
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Design and develop testbenches and validation tools
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Develop for and integrate with digital signal processors (DSPs)
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Implement partial reconfiguration strategies for FPGA platforms
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Utilize containerization approaches to dynamically program FPGAs
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Automate development workflows using scripting tools
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Participate in system integration activities and technical demonstrations
Requirements
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5–8 years of experience developing and maintaining FPGA firmware
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Proficiency in VHDL and familiarity with high-level programming languages such as C/C++
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Comfortable working in Linux development environments
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Strong understanding of software development life cycles
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Formal education or equivalent experience in systems engineering, software engineering, or related discipline
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Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical team
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U.S. Citizenship required
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Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required
Desired Qualifications
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Experience developing embedded software for general-purpose processors (GPPs) and/or DSPs
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Experience with embedded Linux and SoC-based architectures
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Experience with Xilinx FPGAs and Vivado/Vitis toolchains
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Familiarity with embedded OS build systems such as Yocto, Buildroot, or PetaLinux
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Experience with SDR platforms and related frameworks
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Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash and TCL
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Familiarity with MATLAB for signal processing and modeling
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Experience with containerization and virtualization tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, Ansible)
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Familiarity with modular open systems architectures such as CMOSS, SOSA, MORA, VICTORY, or OpenVPX
Travel Requirements
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Occasional domestic travel (less than 10%) to support stakeholder meetings, system integration, and demonstrations