Firmware Engineer

Kratos Space Training & Cyber; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense seeks a Firmware Engineer to design, implement, test, and support firmware across the development lifecycle. The role emphasizes FPGA modules, VHDL/Verilog, and collaboration with software, hardware, and vendor teams.

Colorado Springs-based with about 10% travel; candidates should be prepared for rapid project shifts and hands-on problem solving. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering and strong experience with Linux, FPGA tools, and test

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with VHDL/Verilog for FPGA modules.
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module-level simulation.
• Experience working with Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Ability to build, route, analyze, and test FPGA designs.
• Willingness to learn DSP integration with DSP Engineers.
• Ability to collaborate with software engineers to integrate designs.
• Proficiency with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers).
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python.
• Experience with FPGA tools including Xilinx Vivado and Vitis.
• Familiarity with simulation/debug tools (Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, Chipscope).
• Experience with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix-7, Virtex.
• Familiarity with editors like SlickEdit or VSCode.
• Experience with source control (Git, SVN).
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI).
• Experience with debugging tools, including internal logic analyzers.
• Experience with non-volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM).
• Ability to learn quickly, take ownership, and deliver high-quality work in unstructured environments.
• Experience estimating effort and working in IPT environments.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued security clearance up to TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Help design, implement, and maintain firmware across lifecycle stages.
• Collaborate with engineers, customers, and vendor support teams.
• Develop and troubleshoot FPGA modules and DSP interfaces.
• Create and simulate test benches; validate designs with hardware test setups.
• Support multiple projects concurrently with strong documentation.

Skills

VHDL

Verilog

FPGA design

C/C++

Python

Linux

Xilinx Vivado

Git

MPSoC/RFSoC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

ModelSim

Questa

Chipscope

Git

Job description

Readiness delivered.Kratos is seeking a talented Firmware Engineer to support dynamic, fast-paced projects focused on developing and implementing firmware designs across all phases of the development lifecycle including design, development, testing, and operational support. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who can work both independently and collaboratively to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot new and existing firmware solutions. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability in a rapidly shifting environment, and the ability to partner effectively with engineers, customers, and vendor support teams. Candidates should be comfortable supporting multiple projects simultaneously and applying modern engineering tools and methodologies to deliver high quality technical solutions. This position is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and requires approximately 10% travel.

Keyword: VHDL, Xilinx, FPGA, MPSoC, MPSoM, RFSoC, Alveo, RTOS, Artix-7, Verilog

• Bacheloris degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with VHDL and/or Verilog for developing complex FPGA modules
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module?level simulation
• Experience working with Linux/Unix operating systems
• Ability to build, route, analyze, and test FPGA designs
• Willingness to learn how to integrate DSP solutions from DSP Engineers
• Ability to work directly with software engineers to integrate designs
• Proficient with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python
• Experience with FPGA tools including Xilinx Vivado and Vitis
• Familiarity with simulation/debug tools such as Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, and Chipscope
• Experience with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix?7, and Virtex
• Familiarity with source code editors like SlickEdit or VSCode
• Experience using Git, SVN, or similar version control systems
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI)
• Experience with debugging tools, including internal logic analyzers
• Experience with non?volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM)
• Ability to learn quickly, take ownership of tasks, and deliver high?quality work in an unstructured environment
• Experience estimating the effort required to complete tasks
• Ability to work effectively in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a government?issued security clearance up to TS/SCI

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience developing embedded systems and using Xilinx Vitis (MicroBlaze, ARM Cortex, Versal ACAP)
• Experience with high?speed interfaces such as JESD, PCIe, or 100GbE
• DSP experience (FEC, modulation, demodulation)
• Modem?related experience
• Experience with board?level design
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Bitbucket, Bamboo, Confluence)
• Strong understanding of embedded system concepts, including RTOS, memory management, and interrupt handling

#LI-Onsite

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offeringsifrom commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

From: Kratos Defense