Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

Job Title

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

Role Summary

Design, implement, and validate FPGA-based digital systems for real-time and high-speed applications supporting the Hypersonics Projectiles Division at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren.

Work on RTL development, simulation, timing closure, and integration with hardware and software teams to deliver reliable, high-performance FPGA solutions.

Experience Level

Mid-level - typically 3–7 years of FPGA design and development experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include design, implementation, verification, and integration of FPGA-based systems.

• Design and develop FPGA architectures for real-time and high-speed applications.
• Implement and optimize VHDL/Verilog code; perform simulation, synthesis, and timing analysis.
• Debug and validate FPGA designs using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
• Develop and maintain testbenches for functional verification.
• Perform system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA-based hardware.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams; document designs and test results.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to project needs.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, clearance, and physical capabilities.

• 3–7 years of FPGA design and development experience.
• Proficiency in HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog) and FPGA toolchains (e.g., Vivado, Quartus).
• Strong understanding of digital logic design, high-speed interfaces, and embedded systems.
• Experience with hardware/software co-design and debugging tools (oscilloscope, JTAG, signal analyzer).
• Must currently hold a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required for this location.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, twist, and squat periodically.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Xilinx, Intel (Altera), or Lattice FPGA architectures.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python for FPGA development, SystemVerilog/UVM, or high-level synthesis (HLS).
• Background in signal processing, high-performance computing, or networking applications.

Education Requirements

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

About the Company

Company: Bowhead

Headquarters: Huntsville, AL, United States

Bowhead provides engineering, professional, and technical services to government and commercial clients, supporting defense, intelligence, and civil programs with systems engineering, IT, and advanced technology solutions.