FPGA Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Design, implement, and validate digital systems with emphasis on FPGA-based development and integration into hardware prototypes. Work within a team that supports RF and optical testbed systems for ballistic missile defense data collection and field testing.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically 3–7 years; the posting requests 5+ years of relevant design experience.

Responsibilities

Accountabilities include FPGA design, hardware integration, and field support for radar systems.

• Translate functional and algorithmic specifications into optimized HDL (VHDL/Verilog) architectures.
• Develop and run functional and timing simulations, test benches, and verification flows.
• Integrate FPGA designs into prototypes and full hardware systems; perform bring-up and debugging.
• Design and test supporting hardware: PCB schematic capture, component selection, layout review, and power distribution.
• Use lab test equipment to diagnose and resolve hardware and firmware issues during bench and field tests.
• Maintain detailed design documentation and present results to colleagues and sponsors.
• Participate in field experiments and data collection; support system integration at test sites.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, clearances, and working conditions.

• Minimum: 5+ years of relevant digital and FPGA design experience.
• Strong VHDL/Verilog skills and experience with Xilinx toolchains (Vivado/ISE), ISIM, EDK, and third-party IP.
• Experience developing HDL test benches for functional and timing simulation.
• Experience with PCB design and bring-up using Altium and/or Mentor Graphics; schematic capture and component selection.
• Familiarity with RF/microwave radar systems, digital receiver design (including direct-detect/RF sampling architectures), RF converters, ADC/DAC performance tradeoffs, and radar timing/signal processing basics.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and software development in C/C++.
• Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: PCIe, I2C, LVDS, serial over fiber optics, and related protocol knowledge.
• Hands-on use of test equipment: RF signal generators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and similar instruments.
• Comfortable working in Windows and Linux environments; familiarity with TCL scripting.
• Active U.S. secret security clearance required.
• Willingness to travel (~5%) and work a hybrid schedule (onsite approximately 3 days/week).

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: SGS Consulting

SGS Consulting provides engineering and technical consulting services, supporting design, development, and testing of advanced hardware and systems (including radar, RF, and embedded FPGA-based solutions) for defense and research customers.