FPGA Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Design, develop, and optimize FPGA firmware and signal-processing algorithms for RF communications and software-defined radio (SDR) modem products. Work closely with software and hardware engineers to move algorithms from simulation to FPGA implementations and support lab and field validation.

Experience Level

Mid-level — requires 5+ years of relevant experience in signal processing and FPGA development.

Responsibilities

Key duties include firmware development for FPGA platforms, algorithm implementation for the physical layer, and verification of communications systems.

• Design and implement waveform, signal detection, and feature-extraction algorithms for RF communications systems.
• Translate algorithms from simulation to FPGA instantiations and optimize for target platforms.
• Develop and maintain FPGA firmware using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Propose and execute verification methodologies; develop testbenches and support validation.
• Perform lab and field testing; integrate and debug with logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Document designs, test results, and present technical findings to product teams and leadership.
• Collaborate in an agile environment to develop software/firmware prototypes and support demonstrations.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security eligibility, and practical experience.

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• 5+ years of experience in signal processing for communications systems.
• Proven experience implementing designs on FPGAs and creating testbenches using VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.
• Familiarity with Xilinx tool flow (for example, Vivado and related SDK tools).
• Experience developing algorithms with scripting environments such as MATLAB.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and embedded-target development.
• Hands-on lab integration and debug experience with logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Strong oral and written communication and concise presentation skills.
• Nice-to-have: experience with SDR architectures and prototyping/testing using open-source SDR tools (e.g., GNU Radio).

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent; Master's degree preferred. Equivalent practical experience acceptable where noted.

About the Company

Company: Maxtena

Headquarters: Germantown, MD, USA

Developer and manufacturer of high-performance antennas and RF subsystems for satellite, GNSS, and wireless communications, serving commercial and defense customers with compact, high-gain antenna solutions and integrated RF products.