FPGA Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Design, implement, and test FPGA-based RF capabilities in support of government research and development programs. Work on end-to-end FPGA development, verification, and system integration with RF hardware as part of an engineering team focused on software-defined radio (SDR) and real-time embedded processing.

Experience Level

Senior level — requires 7+ years of relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

Hands-on engineering role responsible for FPGA design through system delivery. Key duties include:

• Design and implement RTL (VHDL or Verilog) for FPGA targets.
• Create, run, and analyze simulations and verification using tools such as ModelSim or Questa.
• Debug at module and system level; integrate FPGA designs with embedded processors and RF hardware.
• Develop and deploy software-defined radio (SDR) solutions and real-time processing chains.
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Maintain version control and development workflows using Git.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security, and experience:

• 7+ years professional experience, including developing SDR solutions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Top Secret / SCI clearance.
• Proficiency in VHDL or Verilog and RTL coding.
• Experience with FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vivado or Intel/Altera).
• Experience with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, Questa).
• Proficiency in C or C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and integration.
• Experience with Linux (e.g., RedHat, Rocky) and embedded hardware systems.
• Hands-on experience with RF signal processing and interfacing FPGAs to RF systems.
• Familiarity with real-time processing and embedded processor integration.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with DSP algorithms and RFSoC / Xilinx SoC integration.
• Experience with digital RF sampling, modulation schemes, error correction, or compression.
• Background in C5ISR, EW, SIGINT, or communications systems.

Education Requirements

The posting states a Bachelor’s degree is required and also notes a high school diploma or GED as a minimum in one line; preferred fields include Engineering or Computer Science. (Posting references both Bachelor's degree requirement and a separate line indicating HS/GED minimum.)

About the Company

Company: Apex Systems

Headquarters: Glen Allen, Virginia, United States

Apex Systems is a global IT staffing and workforce solutions firm that provides consulting, contract, and permanent placement services, along with training, benefits, and career development resources for technology and business professionals.