Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

UIC Government Services and the Bowhead Family of Companies; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

UIC Government Services and the Bowhead Family of Companies seeks an FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and optimize FPGA-based solutions for the Hypersonics Projectiles Division at Dahlgren. You’ll work with VHDL, Verilog, and HLS tools to create high-performance digital systems and ensure reliable hardware integration.

Responsibilities include designing FPGA architectures, validating with testbenches, and collaborating with hardware, software, and systems teams.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and develop FPGA-based architectures for real-time, high-speed apps.
• Implement and optimize VHDL/Verilog code for FPGA designs.
• Conduct simulation, synthesis, and timing analysis for performance.
• Debug and validate FPGA designs using industry tools.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems teams for integrated solutions.
• Develop and maintain FPGA testbenches for verification.
• Assist in system integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

Skills

HDL programming

FPGA design

VHDL Verilog

high-speed interfaces

Education

Electrical/Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Vivado

Quartus

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.

Employee Benefits

Bowhead offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as a paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status EOE/D/V. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and subject to other state and federal requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity posters here .

Pre-Employment Screening

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC’s Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification.

Driving Requirements

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

Company Overview

UIC Government Services (UICGS / Bowhead) provides innovative business solutions to federal and commercial customers in the areas of engineering, maintenance services, information technology, program support, logistics/base support, and procurement.

Collectively, the fast-growing Bowhead Family of Companies offers a breadth of services which are performed with a focus on quality results.

Headquartered in Springfield, VA, we are a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar company recognized as a top Alaska Native Corporation providing services across the Department of Defense and many federal agencies.