Senior Principal FPGA (VHDL) Design Engineer

Job Title

Senior Principal FPGA (VHDL) Design Engineer

Role Summary

Senior FPGA digital design engineer responsible for leading FPGA/RTL development across product lifecycles for complex defense electronics. Work is performed in a hybrid format from Nashua, NH supporting design architecture, RTL implementation, verification, lab testing, and product support. Sign-on bonus available.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Posting indicates approximately 6+ years of relevant FPGA/ASIC design experience.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include hands-on design, verification, and support of FPGA-based systems throughout development and fielding.

• Drive FPGA design through architecture, RTL coding, synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure.
• Develop and maintain basic testbenches; support lab bring-up and system-level testing.
• Debug complex digital systems and resolve timing, synthesis, and integration issues.
• Ensure FPGA security practices and support product sustainment and legacy design updates.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, test).
• Provide technical support for deployed products and participate in continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Travel as required (under 10%).

Requirements

Core technical and clearance requirements; preferred skills are listed separately.

Must-have:

• Eligibility to obtain a DOD security clearance; U.S. person / U.S. citizenship required.
• Experience in FPGA or ASIC design and development.
• Proficiency in VHDL (preferred) or Verilog HDL for RTL development.
• Practical experience with synthesis, timing closure, place-and-route, and lab testing.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills; effective written and oral communication.
• Self-starter who can work independently and mentor others.

Nice-to-have:

• DSP fundamentals and FPGA implementation experience.
• Matlab/Simulink experience.
• Working knowledge of UVM/SystemVerilog and C/C++.
• Experience with data communications (Ethernet MAC/PHY, GigE Vision) and legacy designs.
• Active DOD security clearance.

Education Requirements

Posting specifies ~6+ years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree; fewer years required with an advanced degree. A bachelor’s degree in a related technical field is referenced implicitly; advanced degrees reduce the stated experience requirement.

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.