Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer - ICL

Job Title

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer - ICL

Role Summary

Design, develop, and implement FPGA-based firmware and embedded software for communications and spectrum-sensing systems within the Information and Communications Laboratory (ICL). Support research-through-prototype efforts that apply advanced signal processing, adaptive communications, and AI/ML to government-sponsored programs.

Experience Level

Mid-level (open-rank). Candidates from entry (0 years with a relevant Bachelor's) to experienced researchers are considered; preferred experience is 2+ years in related work.

Responsibilities

Deliver FPGA and embedded solutions across design, verification, integration, and field validation.

• Design and implement FPGA firmware using HDLs (VHDL, Verilog) and/or High-Level Synthesis.
• Develop testbenches, run simulations, and integrate IP and system components.
• Implement real-time digital signal processing and high-speed digital logic.
• Develop embedded software and custom interfaces for FPGA/SoC platforms.
• Perform laboratory equipment validation and field testing for prototype systems.
• Document results and contribute to technical reports, presentations, white papers, and proposals.
• Translate requirements into architectures, perform trade-space analysis, and verify design performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and participate in technical meetings.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security eligibility, and professional behaviors required for successful performance.

• Proven experience developing on embedded platforms and FPGAs; proficient with HDL (VHDL or Verilog) and/or HLS toolchains.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python for prototype and embedded development.
• Experience with simulation and testbench development and hardware verification flows.
• Familiarity with Git or other distributed version-control systems and standard software development practices (source control, agile workflows).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (Secret).
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Ability to operate in research environments with incomplete requirements and to clarify objectives and outcomes.
• Preferred: active Secret clearance; 2+ years of relevant professional experience; experience with SDR platforms, waveform implementation, signal processing, electromagnetics, AI/ML applied to communications, Linux, ORAN, SOSA/CMOSS, or electronic warfare systems.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program will be considered (some postings note graduation no later than Dec 2026). Preferred: MS or PhD in a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: Georgia Tech Research Institute

Headquarters: Atlanta, GA, United States

The Georgia Tech Research Institute is the nonprofit, applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology, conducting problem-solving research for government and industry across multiple laboratories. Founded in 1934, GTRI employs roughly 2,900 staff and focuses on engineering, science, and technology solutions.