Engineer Senior Principal - FPGA Design

Job Title

Engineer Senior Principal - FPGA Design

Role Summary

Lead FPGA design for space and high-reliability electronic systems within the Space and Mission Systems Engineering, Science and Analysis unit. Work closely with electrical and systems engineers to architect, implement, and integrate FPGA/SoC solutions across R&D, prototype, and production programs.

This role requires regular on-site presence (three or more days per week) at the primary Chantilly, VA location and involves occasional travel between company facilities.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The role specifies 8+ years of related experience; advanced degrees may substitute for experience as described below.

Responsibilities

Primary technical and leadership responsibilities include:

• Architect and lead complex FPGA/SoC digital designs and IP integration using AMD (Xilinx) toolchains.
• Design and implement digital functions such as filters, image processing, and communication interfaces for space/high-reliability systems.
• Develop and integrate HDL code (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog) and perform verification activities.
• Provide technical leadership, roadmaps, and mentorship for FPGA design efforts.
• Collaborate across teams to flow down system/subsystem/board requirements and ensure design traceability.
• Maintain documentation, schedules, and technical specifications for FPGA deliverables.
• Participate in lab, production, and cleanroom activities as required for testing and integration.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items are listed separately.

• Minimum of 8 years of related FPGA/digital design experience.
• Proven expertise in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog for FPGA development.
• Experience with FPGA toolchains, e.g., Xilinx Vivado/Vitis and Mentor Graphics ModelSim/QuestaSim.
• Experience with digital system partitioning, high-speed digital design, and embedded processor integration.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site three or more days per week; occasional travel as required.
• Eligible and willing to undergo security clearance submission if the program requires it.

Nice-to-have / preferred:

• Experience with OVM/UVM verification methodologies.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet) and signal integrity tools (HyperLynx).
• Background in signal processing/DSP algorithms and cybersecurity techniques.
• Previous work on space, aerospace, or other high-reliability applications.

Education Requirements

BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field required; related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for two years of experience. Degree must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

About the Company

Company: BAE Systems

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Global defense, aerospace and security company delivering products and services for air, land and naval forces, advanced electronics, cyber and intelligence solutions, and space and mission systems for government and commercial customers.