FPGA Design Senior Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Design Senior Engineer

Role Summary

Senior FPGA Digital Design Engineer responsible for end-to-end FPGA architecture, implementation, verification, and lab integration for mission-critical defense systems. Works cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams and mentors junior engineers.

Focus areas include high-speed serial links, RF DSP, embedded processing, and realtime flight/test integration for deployed aerospace and defense platforms.

Experience Level

Senior - role expects experienced engineers. The posting specifies 4+ years of VHDL/Verilog expertise.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Derive FPGA design requirements from system-level inputs and coordinate with hardware, systems, and software teams.
• Architect and implement FPGA designs across major device families (Xilinx, Intel, Microchip, Lattice) using VHDL and other HDLs.
• Design for gigabit-rate serial links, RF DSP, control loops, embedded processors, and processor-level interfaces.
• Use next-generation FPGA platforms (e.g., Xilinx Zynq SoC, RFSoC), SystemVerilog, UVM, and digital-twin co-simulation where appropriate.
• Drive synthesis, place-and-route, static timing analysis, and overall design optimization.
• Create high-quality testbenches, simulation environments, and static verification setups (Lint, Autocheck, CDC, RDC).
• Lead hands-on lab integration, perform realtime testing, and incorporate feedback from flight tests and end users.
• Participate in specification and design reviews and maintain accurate design documentation.
• Manage version control and configuration using Git/GitLab and support development workflows.
• Mentor junior engineers and help build team technical capability; monitor program schedules and budgets.

Requirements

Core technical and security requirements.

Must-have:

• 4+ years VHDL/Verilog expertise.
• Expertise in clock domain crossing, timing analysis, and revision control.
• Experience in hardware-software integration and validation.
• Familiarity with FPGA device families and tool flows (Xilinx, Intel, Microchip, Lattice).
• Comfortable in a Linux environment and basic Linux commands.
• Knowledge of C and scripting languages such as Perl, Tcl, or Python.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Nice-to-have:

• Advanced knowledge of Digital Signal Processing.
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink, Vivado, ModelSim/QuestaSim.
• Experience with UVM/SystemVerilog and hardware debug tools.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe.
• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD workflows, and Linux development environments.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and deeper experience with FPGA internal fabric and IP (Xilinx/AMD, Microsemi/Microchip).
• Previous aerospace design experience and active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance (preferred).

Education Requirements

BS in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM major required by start date.

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.