Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

careers-uicalaska; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking an FPGA Engineer to join the Hypersonics Projectiles Division at Dahlgren to develop high-performance digital hardware.

You will design, implement, and optimize FPGA-based solutions using VHDL/Verilog with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable hardware integration. A Secret clearance is required for this location and role, with a salary range of $110,000–$130,000 depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in FPGA design and development.
• Proficiency in HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog) and FPGA development tools (Vivado, Quartus, etc.).
• Strong understanding of digital logic design, high-speed interfaces, and embedded systems.
• Experience with hardware/software co-design and debugging tools (Oscilloscope, JTAG, Signal Analyzer).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop FPGA-based architectures for real-time and high-speed applications.
• Implement and optimize VHDL/Verilog code for FPGA designs.
• Conduct simulation, synthesis, and timing analysis to ensure performance optimization.
• Perform debugging and validation of FPGA designs using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.
• Develop and maintain FPGA testbenches for functional verification.
• Contribute to system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA-based hardware.
• Document design specifications, implementation details, and test results.

Skills

HDL: VHDL/Verilog

FPGA tools: Vivado/Quartus

Embedded systems

Hardware/software co-design

Test & debugging tools

High-speed interfaces

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Vivado

Quartus

JTAG debugging tools

Oscilloscope

Job description

Overview

Bowhead is seeking a FPGA Engineer to join our team that supports the Hypersonics Projectiles Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren and contribute to the development of high-performance digital systems.

In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize FPGA-based solutions for complex hardware applications. You will work with VHDL, Verilog, and high-level synthesis tools, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and reliable hardware integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop FPGA-based architectures for real-time and high-speed applications.
• Implement and optimize VHDL/Verilog code for FPGA designs.
• Conduct simulation, synthesis, and timing analysis to ensure performance optimization.
• Perform debugging and validation of FPGA designs using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.
• Develop and maintain FPGA testbenches for functional verification.
• Contribute to system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA-based hardware.
• Document design specifications, implementation details, and test results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in FPGA design and development.
• Proficiency in HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog) and FPGA development tools (Vivado, Quartus, etc.).
• Strong understanding of digital logic design, high-speed interfaces, and embedded systems.
• Experience with hardware/software co-design and debugging tools (Oscilloscope, JTAG, Signal Analyzer).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Xilinx, Altera (Intel FPGA), or Lattice FPGA architectures.
• Knowledge of C/C++, Python for FPGA development.
• Understanding of high-performance computing, signal processing, and networking applications.
• Familiarity with System Verilog, UVM methodology, or high-level synthesis (HLS).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Targeted salary range is $110,000 to $130,000 annually based on qualifications and experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

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