Lead ASIC Design Engineer
MITREJob Title
Lead ASIC Design Engineer
Role Summary
Lead technical design and delivery of integrated ASIC and FPGA prototypes that support government-sponsored engineering programs. Work on system architecture, RTL design, verification, integration, and prototype bring-up within the Electronic Systems Development team.
Role includes technical leadership of small teams, mentoring junior engineers, and coordinating with sponsors and third-party partners to deliver low-SWaP-C hardware solutions.
Experience Level
Senior-level. Requires extensive hands-on experience — typically 8+ years (8 years with a Bachelors degree or 6 years with a Masters degree, per hiring guidelines).
Responsibilities
Deliver ASIC/FPGA projects from requirements through demonstration and production handoff; lead design teams and integrate complex hardware and software.
- Architect and implement highly integrated, low-SWaP-C ASIC and FPGA solutions.
- Lead RTL design, integration, prototype bring-up, and hardware testing.
- Drive full design lifecycle activities: requirements, architecture, design, verification, synthesis, timing closure, and test.
- Implement and optimize algorithms on embedded platforms (hardware and software co-design).
- Lead and mentor engineers; manage technical tasks and schedules.
- Coordinate with sponsors, EDA vendors, foundries, and third-party IP providers.
- Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies into prototype systems.
Requirements
Core technical and leadership qualifications required for the role.
- Extensive RTL experience in VHDL, Verilog, and/or SystemVerilog and leading RTL development flows.
- Proven experience with simulation, synthesis, timing closure, verification methodologies, and integration.
- Hands-on use of EDA tool suites (examples: Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens).
- Experience designing for advanced process nodes (<16nm) and integrating third-party IP.
- Experience developing and integrating complex embedded hardware systems and prototype bring-up.
- Proficiency with scripting and automation tools such as Python, TCL, CMake, or similar.
- Demonstrated technical leadership, project management, and strong written/verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with semiconductor fabrication partners and third-party IP providers.
- Nice-to-have: Prior experience across both ASIC and FPGA development, and familiarity with EDA/vendor workflows specific to government or defense projects.
Education Requirements
Required: Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience). A Masters degree may substitute for reduced experience (hiring guideline cites 6 years with an MS vs. 8 years with a BS).
About the Company
Company: MITRE
Headquarters: Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
MITRE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to solving national challenges in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, and more. By partnering with the government, MITRE operates R&D centers that develop innovative solutions for public interest. Known for its culture of innovation, it offers exceptional employee benefits, professional growth opportunities, and diversity initiatives to ensure a fulfilling workplace for its staff.
