Firmware Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401K plan

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial invites you to join a team delivering mission-critical FPGA technologies for aerospace applications. The firmware engineer will own verification activities, DO-254 DAL A compliance, and the creation of rigorous certification artifacts.

Responsibilities include test planning, execution, documentation, and collaboration with systems, software, and certification teams to ensure traceability and high reliability in avionic systems.

Qualifications

• DO-254 DAL A certification experience is required.
• Minimum of 4 years FPGA/firmware/hardware development experience.
• Experience with RTL coding and simulation using VHDL/Verilog; SystemVerilog preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review FPGA Verification and Test Plans to ensure DO-254 DAL A compliance.
• Develop and maintain FPGA test procedures and test cases.
• Execute FPGA testing activities and analyze results; generate test reports.

Skills

FPGA development

DO-254 compliance

RTL coding

SystemVerilog

VHDL

Verilog

Test planning

Documentation

Traceability to requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/CS/related technical field

Tools

ModelSim

Vivado

Quartus

Synplify

Verilog

VHDL

SystemVerilog

Job description

Firmware Engineer (FPGA/DO-254 DAL A)

Shape the Future of Aerospace Innovation Through Mission-Critical FPGA Technology

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to hire a talented Firmware Engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA. If you have deep expertise in FPGA development, DO-254 certification, and high-reliability aerospace systems, this is your opportunity to contribute to the next generation of advanced avionics and defense technologies.

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (6-Month Assignment)

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Pay Rate: $68.89 per hour

Help Deliver Aerospace Systems Where Failure Is Not an Option

As a Firmware Engineer , you will support the development and certification of advanced FPGA-based aerospace and defense systems. This role is focused on design verification and testing (DVT), DO-254 DAL A compliance, and the creation of high-quality verification documentation that supports certification activities.

You’ll work on highly visible programs where technical excellence, precision, and compliance are essential to mission success.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Review FPGA Verification and Test Plans to ensure compliance with DO-254 DAL A requirements
• Develop and maintain detailed FPGA test procedures and test cases
• Execute FPGA testing activities and analyze results
• Generate comprehensive test reports that meet certification standards and rigor
• Develop, review, and maintain hardware requirements with full traceability to system-level requirements in DOORS
• Support FPGA design implementation and verification activities
• Perform functional testing, reviews, quantitative analyses, and validation activities
• Evaluate and qualify design and verification tools used in the development lifecycle
• Create and maintain certification documentation, traceability matrices, and verification records
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and certification teams
• Participate in design reviews and verification planning discussions
• Support compliance efforts related to DO-254 DAL A and associated aerospace certification requirements
• Contribute to the development of advanced digital FPGA solutions supporting aerospace and defense applications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant FPGA, firmware, or hardware development experience
• Proven experience with FPGA development and DO-254 compliance processes
• Strong understanding of DO-254 DAL A certification requirements
• Experience creating:
• FPGA Test Plans
• Test Procedures
• Test Cases
• Verification Documentation
• Test Reports
• Experience supporting verification planning, testing, and tool qualification activities
• Expertise with RTL coding and simulation using:
• VHDL
• Verilog
• Experience with FPGA verification and testbench development using:
• VHDL
• SystemVerilog
• Knowledge of:
• Digital circuit architecture
• Timing analysis
• Timing closure
• Design trade studies
• Experience with FPGA design and simulation tools such as:
• ModelSim
• Synplify
• Vivado
• Quartus
• Similar FPGA development platforms
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git or Subversion
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to cross-functional teams

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience performing FPGA design verification testing (DVT)
• Hands-on laboratory FPGA test execution experience
• Experience writing certification-quality test reports
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-516C certification guidance
• Prior experience supporting aerospace, avionics, defense, or mission systems programs
• Experience working on safety-critical or high-assurance embedded systems
• Strong understanding of hardware requirements traceability and certification evidence generation

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect highly skilled engineering professionals with organizations at the forefront of aerospace innovation. This opportunity allows you to work on technologies that help power the future of aviation, defense, and mission-critical systems.

What You’ll Gain

• Competitive pay of $68.89 per hour
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge FPGA and avionics technologies
• Exposure to advanced aerospace and defense programs
• Collaborative environment with world-class engineering teams
• Hands-on involvement in high-visibility certification efforts
• Technical challenges that promote continuous learning and growth
• Meaningful work supporting systems where safety, reliability, and performance are paramount
• A culture focused on innovation, quality, and engineering excellence

This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible while advancing your career in one of the most demanding and rewarding engineering environments.

Pay Details: $68.89 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.