FPGA/Embedded Hardware Design Engineer

SAIC; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced FPGA/Embedded-Systems Engineer to design, verify, and integrate advanced digital processing architectures. The role emphasizes VHDL/Verilog development, embedded software, and Linux-based workflows on high-end Xilinx MPSoC/Versal devices.

The ideal candidate will have strong HDL skills, DSP knowledge, and experience with SDR platforms, Linux automation, and secure clearance. This on-site position is based in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 14+ years experience; or Masters with 12+ years; PhD/JD with 9+ years.
• U.S. citizenship with an active TS/SCI Poly clearance.
• Target salary range is provided in the ad.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA architectures using VHDL-2019, VHDL-2008, VHDL and Verilog as needed.
• Design for Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC and Versal devices.
• Create self-checking simulations and testbenches for validation.
• Script toolflows with Tcl and shell to automate workflows.
• Develop embedded software in C/C++/Python to interface with FPGA.
• Work with SDR platforms (USRP, Pluto SDR) for system development.
• Develop on Linux and build automation using Yocto where required.
• Use HDL simulators like ModelSim and advanced Xilinx tools for verification.

Skills

VHDL/Verilog

Embedded software

DSP concepts

Linux workflows

C/C++/Python

Xilinx MPSoC/Versal

Scripting (Tcl)

HDL simulation

USRP/SDR platforms

Education

Bachelors +14y

Masters +12y

PhD/JD +9y

Tools

ModelSim

Aldec Riviera Pro

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

IP Integrator

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced FPGA/Embedded-Systems Engineer to design, verify, and integrate advanced digital processing architectures. The ideal candidate will possess strong FPGA development experience using VHDL and Verilog, along with embedded software skills and a deep understanding of digital signal processing, timing closure, and Linux-based workflows. This role requires the ability to solve complex technical problems and deliver robust production-ready designs.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop FPGA architectures using VHDL-2019, VHDL-2008, VHDL, and basic Verilog as required.
• Design solutions targeting Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC devices; experience with Versal devices is a strong plus.
• Create self-checking simulation constructs and testbenches to validate functional and corner-case behavior.
• Script simulation, synthesis, and implementation workflows using Tcl and shell scripting to automate toolflows.
• Implement high-throughput streaming data paths, including FIFO structures, CDC mechanisms, circular buffers, clocking architectures, and timing constraints.
• Perform FPGA debug through HDL simulation, waveform analysis, hardware debugging, and logic analyzer tools.
• Develop and debug embedded software in C, C++, Python, and related languages to interface with FPGA logic.
• Contribute to DSP algorithm design when needed, depending on project requirements.
• Work with SDR platforms such as Ettus USRP, Epiq Matchstiq, and Pluto SDR to support system-level development.
• Apply knowledge of microcontroller firmware design for supporting embedded subsystems.
• Develop on Linux systems and write automation scripts using Bash.
• Use Xilinx Vivado and Vitis toolchains including Hardware Manager, IP Integrator, IP packaging, and XSim simulation.
• Simulate HDL using tools such as Aldec Riviera Pro and ModelSim for detailed design verification.
• Build customized embedded Linux distributions for MPSoC and Versal devices using Yocto.
• Set up and debug FlexLM license servers as part of maintaining development environments.
• Leverage AI/ML code assistants to enhance development efficiency when appropriate.
• Use Git for version control and collaborative software and FPGA development.

Required Education:

Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.

• Additional experience may be substituted for a degree

Clearance Requirement:

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI with Polygraph level clearance

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.