FPGA Design Engineer Lead

Job Title

FPGA Design Engineer Lead

Role Summary

The FPGA Design Engineer Lead is the technical authority for FPGA and ASIC development within the Missiles & Fire Control (MFC) Programmable Logic Design organization. This role translates system requirements into production-ready architectures, defines verification strategy, manages design assurance activities, and represents programmable-logic engineering in cross-functional and customer-facing engagements.

As a lead, you will mentor engineers, guide architectural and device-selection trade studies, and manage delivery of high-performance FPGA/ASIC solutions to meet aerospace standards.

Experience Level

Senior / Experienced professional. Specific years of experience not specified.

Responsibilities

The lead is responsible for end-to-end FPGA/ASIC architecture, delivery, and technical leadership across programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Own end-to-end development from requirements capture through production release, including documentation and configuration control.
• Define and design programmable-logic architectures; implement RTL using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog in toolchains such as Xilinx/AMD Vivado or Intel Quartus.
• Create detailed requirements and interface-control documents to guide cross-functional teams.
• Develop high-coverage verification environments (UVM or comparable) and comprehensive test plans; execute simulation with tools such as Synopsys VCS.
• Perform device and architecture trade studies considering utilization, power, thermal, cost, and risk.
• Lead design assurance reviews and ensure compliance with MFC/aerospace engineering standards and processes.
• Provide code reviews, technical mentorship, and guidance to junior and peer engineers.
• Manage schedule milestones, mitigate technical risks, and represent FPGA/ASIC engineering in program reviews and customer meetings.

Requirements

Must-have skills and criteria are listed first; desirable skills follow.

• Must-have: Proficiency in HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog, and/or SystemVerilog).
• Practical experience with multiple FPGA vendors and families (examples: Xilinx/AMD, Intel/Altera, Microsemi/Microchip) and their toolchains.
• Experience with FPGA simulation and verification methodologies (for example, UVM and VCS or comparable tools).
• Experience with version control systems such as Git/GitLab and maintaining traceable design documentation and configuration control.
• Proven ability to design for timing closure, clock-domain crossings, and signal-integrity considerations.
• Experience across the full FPGA/ASIC lifecycle: architecture, design, simulation/verification, validation, integration, and test.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Security/eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and must possess or be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Xilinx/AMD Versal, Vivado, Vitis, Vitis HLS; hardware-software integration and validation; high-speed data and memory interfaces; model-based design with Simulink and HDL Coder; experience with Synopsys Synplify, NCSim, ChipScope, and other vendor toolsets.
• Program- or domain-specific experience such as LM/MFC design processes, Design Assurance / DAR experience, safety boards and range safety requirements, EOIR imaging/processing, or missile sensor programs.
• Familiarity with C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and system-level validation methods.

Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a closely related STEM field required; Master’s degree or PhD preferred. Degrees should be from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: Lockheed Martin

Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace and defense company that specializes in the development of innovative technologies for national security, aerospace, and space exploration. With a commitment to harnessing the potential of space, Lockheed Martin aims to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and advance holistic solutions across military and civilian sectors, focusing on future-ready technologies.