Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Role Summary

Develop and integrate FPGA digital IP for tactical RF and high-reliability electronic systems within the ESA Strategic Capabilities Unit. Work on R&D, proof-of-concept, and production programs, delivering FPGA architectures, IP integration, test fixtures, and board/chip-level verification.

Minimum $30,000 sign-on bonus for external candidates. This position requires on-site work five days per week at the primary work location.

Experience Level

Senior / Principal level.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Design FPGA architectures and implement digital functions such as soft-core processors, digital filters, image processing, and communication interfaces.
• Integrate and verify digital IP in SOC and board-level environments; perform digital system partitioning.
• Create and execute test plans and test fixtures for chip-level and board-level verification; develop reusable circuit designs.
• Use FPGA toolflows for synthesis, implementation, simulation, and debugging.
• Document designs, collaborate across engineering teams, and flow down system/subsystem/board requirements.
• Maintain a regular, predictable on-site work schedule and perform other duties as required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, citizenship/clearance expectations, and professional abilities; nice-to-have items listed separately.

Must-have:

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.
• Experience with FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado/Vitis and Mentor ModelSim/QuestaSim.
• Strong digital system partitioning and electronic systems background; solid electronic circuit design skills.
• Ability to define and flow down requirements across system/subsystem/board levels.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness and eligibility to be submitted for program-specific security clearance/access after offer acceptance.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with OVM/UVM verification methodologies.
• Experience developing specifications, cost, schedule, and resource estimates for digital/FPGA designs.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCI, Ethernet) and signal-integrity tools such as Mentor Graphics HyperLynx.
• Familiarity with signal processing algorithms, DSP techniques, cybersecurity topics, and military/space programs.

Education Requirements

BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required, or equivalent technical experience. The position requires 6 or more years of related experience; each higher-level degree (Master's or Ph.D.) may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Degree must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.