ASIC/FPGA Research Engineer - Digital Design

University of Southern California; Virginia, Arlington (MN, TX); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an ASIC/FPGA Research Engineer to join their innovative team. This role focuses on digital hardware design, contributing to advanced prototypes that address national challenges. With a collaborative environment, the position offers opportunities for learning and growth, working alongside top research sponsors. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in digital design and computer architecture, along with experience in Verilog or VHDL. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, this position could be your next career step.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• More than 3 years of experience in digital design.

Responsibilities

• Implement technical solutions to novel problems in research.
• Collaborate with researchers to transform ideas into prototypes.
• Oversee staff and students as needed.

Skills

Verilog

VHDL

Digital Design

Python

C++

Linux

Scripting

Revision Control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree

Job description

ASIC/FPGA Research Engineer - Digital Design

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Viterbi School of Engineering

Arlington, Virginia

USC's Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the university's Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in research and development of advanced information processing, computing, communications, and artificial intelligence technologies. ISI's 400 faculty, professional staff, and graduate students conduct pioneering research across three locations: Arlington, VA; Marina Del Rey, CA; and Waltham, MA.

This position involves digital hardware design in a fast-paced research environment aimed at creating a safer and more secure future. The role is based in Arlington, VA, within ISI's CS&T Division, focusing on front-end digital design of advanced ASIC or FPGA-based prototypes addressing national challenges. The engineer will collaborate with top research sponsors such as DARPA, IARPA, and the CHIPS Act, developing novel computer architectures, RTL models, and systems-on-chip, and demonstrating prototypes. The position offers a collaborative university setting with ample opportunities for learning and growth.

This role does not require security clearance. Work can be performed on a hybrid schedule, including some days at the Arlington office.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Supporting research efforts by implementing technical solutions to novel problems.
2. Collaborating with senior researchers to transform ideas into prototypes.
3. Contributing to system implementation, documentation, and publications.
4. Initiating design, development, and implementation of research projects.
5. Investigating scientific principles for potential inventions and products.
6. Planning and executing applied research.
7. Overseeing staff and students as needed.

Position-specific qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• More than 3 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or a Master's degree.
• Proven success in digital design using Verilog or VHDL.
• Strong understanding of computer architecture.
• Skills in scripting, revision control, and equipment/tool maintenance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with FPGA-based design and bring-up.
• Experience with design verification.
• Familiarity with agile hardware design methodologies.
• Effective communication skills.

The position is funded by a contract or grant, and employment is contingent upon funding availability. The annual salary ranges from $107,196 to $140,000, based on experience and other factors.

Minimum education: Bachelor's degree

Minimum experience: 5 years

Minimum skills: Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, or Go, and experience with Linux.