Embedded FPGA Engineer

Job Title

Embedded FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Design, implement, optimize, and validate FPGA-based digital signal processing (DSP) systems for embedded SOSA/VPX platforms. Work on RTL/HLS implementations, integrate FPGA designs with software and firmware, and support real-time RF signal processing applications.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically 3+ years of FPGA or SDR development experience.

Responsibilities

Primary technical responsibilities for the role include implementing DSP functions on FPGAs and integrating them into embedded systems:

• Design and implement FPGA-based DSP systems using HDL and Vitis HLS.
• Translate DSP algorithms (filtering, detection, synchronization, modulation/demodulation, transforms) into high-throughput, resource-efficient hardware.
• Optimize designs for timing, area, power, and throughput using HLS directives and FPGA toolchains.
• Develop reusable hardware IP blocks and scalable DSP pipelines.
• Integrate FPGA logic with software, firmware, and system architectures in cross-functional teams.
• Test, verify, and validate FPGA designs under real-time constraints; debug using simulation and lab equipment.
• Maintain design documentation: block diagrams, interface definitions, design notes, and user guides.
• Evaluate and adopt techniques or tools that improve FPGA development efficiency and DSP performance.

Requirements

Must-have skills, clearances, and working environment experience:

• 3+ years developing FPGA or SDR solutions (experience noted in Experience Level).
• Proficiency with Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or HLS and associated simulation, synthesis, timing analysis, and implementation flows.
• Experience with Xilinx toolchains (Vitis, Vivado) and scripting (e.g., Tcl).
• Experience with DSP software/tooling such as Python, C++, MATLAB for modeling and integration.
• Familiarity with Linux/UNIX development environments and scripting.
• Knowledge of streaming architectures, pipelining, buffering, and datapath timing.
• Ability to read hardware schematics and use lab equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Experience working in Agile environments and using tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. Preferred: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

About the Company

Company: Booz Allen & Hamilton

Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, United States

Management and technology consulting firm providing analytics, engineering, cyber, digital, and mission services to U.S. government agencies (especially defense and intelligence) and commercial clients.