Junior Hardware Engineering Developer, FPGA

General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

EFAP (Employee & Family Assistance)

Pension plan and RRSP access

Flexible time off

Learning and development support

Employee discounts and onsite parking

Job summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is seeking a Junior Hardware Engineering Developer focused on FPGA. The role centers on building FPGA‑based solutions for vehicle systems, collaborating with hardware and software teams to deliver integrated hardware/software capabilities.

You will work with Vivado, VHDL/Verilog, and FPGA verification techniques, and contribute to IP cores while exploring opportunities in AI/ML‑related design and embedded video processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent.
• Demonstrated FPGA development experience through projects or internships.
• Foundational knowledge of FPGA design, synthesis, and timing.
• Familiarity with VHDL or Verilog and FPGA verification methods.
• Basic proficiency with Git and understanding datasheets/documentation.
• Industry exposure to AI/ML concepts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, implement, and optimize FPGA-based solutions using Vivado (VHDL/HL S).
• Test FPGA solutions: functional, performance, verification/validation.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to integrate FPGA into systems.
• Implement and optimize video interfaces and processing in FPGA solutions.
• Develop and maintain reusable IP cores and libraries.
• Resolve complex FPGA issues in lab and field environments.
• Contribute to proposals, cost estimates, and technical documentation.

Skills

FPGA development

VHDL/Verilog knowledge

Vivado

HLS concepts

C/C++ basics

Python scripting

Git version control

AI/ML familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Oscilloscopes

Development kits

Scripting (Python/Tcl)

Job description

Junior Hardware Engineering Developer, FPGA

• Full-time

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.
At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission‑critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.
If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada Advanced Vetronics Systems (AVS) division is hiring for a Hardware Engineering Developer with a focus on FPGA. This multi-disciplinary team develops electronics systems for armoured vehicles, these systems include in‑vehicle video management, smart displays, fire control, ballistics computing, and vehicle control.

Within the AVS team, you will be involved in all phases of new product development. Key responsibilities include:

• Engineer, implement, and optimize FPGA‑based solutions using Vivado, focusing on VHDL and HLS code development.
• Testing of FPGA solutions, including functional testing, performance testing, and verification/validation activities.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate FPGA solutions into larger systems and participate in requirements analysis and system architecture design.
• Implement and optimize video interfaces, protocols and processing (e.g. SDI, Display Port, Video scaling, Video overlay) within FPGA solutions, considering power efficiency, resource utilization, and timing constraints.
• Develop and maintain reusable IP cores and libraries to improve development efficiency.
• Resolve complex FPGA‑related issues in lab and field environments.
• Stay current with emerging FPGA technologies and industry trends, recommending innovations for future projects.
• Contribute to technical proposals, cost estimates, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent field (recent graduates welcome)
• Demonstrated FPGA development experience through academic projects, internships, or entry‑level work
• Foundational knowledge of FPGA design concepts including synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis
• Familiarity with FPGA simulation and verification methodologies
• Basic proficiency in VHDL or Verilog
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Ability to interpret datasheets and technical documentation
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred.

Assets:

• Hands‑on experience with Xilinx Vivado design suite
• Introduction to High‑Level Synthesis (HLS) concepts
• Basic knowledge of C/C++ programming
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Tcl)
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes or logic analysers
• Interest in video signal processing or embedded systems
• Experience with FPGA prototyping boards or development kits
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted design tools and automated optimization techniques for FPGA development

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

The hiring range for this position is $ 75,000-$85,000. Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:
Technical and non-technical skills
Education and certifications

Benefits
As a full‑time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well‑being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top‑up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.
• Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem‑solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading‑edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next‑generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.
• Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world‑class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
• Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check‑ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high‑profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [emailprotected].

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.