FAST Lab Senior FPGA Engineer

Job Title

FAST Lab Senior FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Lead design, development, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems for defense applications (RFEW, EOIR, communications, radar). Work in FAST Labs' hybrid environment, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior engineers while driving technical decisions across the development lifecycle.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The posting specifies a minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience; the role expects demonstrated technical leadership and mentorship.

Responsibilities

Work across the full FPGA development lifecycle to deliver production-quality systems for defense applications.

• Architect and design FPGA-based systems and IP for signal-processing and real-time applications.
• Lead RTL development, perform code and design reviews, and ensure timing and functional correctness.
• Develop and execute verification plans using simulation and testbenches; perform fixed-point modeling for RTL verification.
• Use FPGA toolflows for synthesis, place & route, timing closure, and debug (Xilinx/Intel toolchains).
• Integrate FPGAs with embedded processors and high-speed interfaces; support system bring-up and board-level debugging.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and communicate technical status to stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security eligibility, and engineering practices required for the role. Preferred items listed as nice-to-have.

• Security: Must be eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• HDL: Proficiency in VHDL or Verilog; experienced in code and design reviews.
• FPGA architecture & tools: Strong understanding of digital logic and FPGA architectures; experience with Xilinx (Vivado, ISE) or Intel (Quartus Prime) toolchains for synthesis, place & route, timing closure, and debug.
• Simulation & verification: Experience with logic simulation tools (e.g., QuestaSim, Xcelium) and fixed-point modeling for RTL verification.
• Programming: Proficiency in at least one programming language used for embedded/testbench work (C, C++, Python, MATLAB).
• High-speed interfaces: Experience with PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204B or similar serial protocols and related signal integrity/protocol considerations.
• Engineering practices: Strong problem-solving skills, clear written/verbal communication, ability to lead technical tasks, and experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Nice-to-have: experience with embedded processors (ARM, PowerPC), DSP algorithm implementation on FPGAs, system-level modeling (MATLAB/Simulink, SystemC), prior RFEW/EOIR/Radar experience, and board-level debug using oscilloscopes/logic analyzers/spectrum analyzers.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field (posting specifies 4+ years of experience). Preferred: Master's degree in EE, Computer Engineering, or related field with specialization in FPGA design, DSP, or RF/microwave engineering. No mention of alternative "equivalent experience" language beyond the stated years.

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.