Firmware Engineer, Senior

Kratos Space Training & Cyber; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to design, implement, and troubleshoot firmware across the full development lifecycle. You will work independently and with teams to deliver robust solutions for aerospace and defense applications, interfacing with customers and vendor support.

Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role requires about 10% travel and involves working with VHDL/Verilog, Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC/Artix platforms, and modern toolchains (Vivado, Vitis, ModelSim/Questa).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Familiarity with VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA module development.
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module-level simulation.
• Experience 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.
• Experience collaborating with software engineers to integrate designs.
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python.
• Experience using FPGA tools such as Xilinx Vivado and Vitis.
• Experience with simulation/debug tools including Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, and Chipscope.
• Familiarity with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix-7, and Virtex.
• Experience using source code editors such as SlickEdit or VSCode.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git or SVN.
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI).
• Expertise in debugging firmware using internal logic analyzers.
• Understanding of non-volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM).
• Experience developing embedded systems using Xilinx Vitis (MicroBlaze, ARM Cortex, Versal ACAP).
• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as JESD, PCIe, or 100GbE.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and support firmware across all lifecycle phases.
• Collaborate with teammates, customers, and vendor support to deliver solutions.
• Apply modern engineering techniques and provide clear design progress updates.
• Support multiple projects and take ownership of primary assignments while assisting others.

Skills

FPGA Design

VHDL

Verilog

C/C++

Python

Linux

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

Aldec/ModelSim/Questa

Chipscope

SlickEdit/VSCode

Job description

Readiness delivered. Kratos is seeking a SenioriFirmware Engineer to support dynamic, fast?paced projects involving firmware development across all phases of the engineering lifecycleiincluding design, development, testing, and operational support based on user feedback. The ideal candidate is adaptable and highly motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot new and existing firmware solutions. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with team members, customers, and vendor support. The candidate must be able to apply modern engineering technologies, provide clear updates on design progress, and support multiple projects as neededibringing expertise to primary assignments while also assisting other teams with critical technical challenges. 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

Required Experience:

• Bacheloris in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Familiarity with VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA module development
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module?level simulation
• Experience 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
• Experience collaborating with software engineers to integrate designs
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python
• Experience using FPGA tools such as Xilinx Vivado and Vitis
• Experience with simulation/debug tools including Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, and Chipscope
• Familiarity with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix?7, and Virtex
• Experience using source code editors such as SlickEdit or VSCode
• Experience with version control systems such as Git or SVN
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI)
• Expertise in debugging firmware using internal logic analyzers
• Understanding of non?volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM)
• Experience developing embedded systems using Xilinx Vitis (MicroBlaze, ARM Cortex, Versal ACAP)
• Experience with high?speed interfaces such as JESD, PCIe, or 100GbE
• Ability to learn quickly, take ownership of tasks, and deliver high?quality work in an unstructured environment
• Experience estimating task effort and meeting deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government?issued security clearance up to TS/SCI

Preferred Skills/Experience

• DSP experience (FEC, modulation, demodulation)
• Experience with modem technologies
• Board?level design experience
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as Bitbucket, Bamboo, or Confluence
• Strong understanding of embedded systems concepts, including real?time operating systems (RTOS), memory management, and interrupt handling

#LI-Onsite

Competitive salary based on experience and education

Salary Range: $140,000-$165,000

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.ii

From: Kratos Defense