FPGA/Embedded Hardware Design Engineer

SAIC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced FPGA/Embedded-Systems Engineer to design, verify, and integrate advanced digital processing architectures. The role demands strong FPGA development using VHDL/Verilog, embedded software skills, and a deep understanding of DSP, timing closure, and Linux-based workflows.

You will work on SDR platforms, develop on Linux, and use Xilinx Vivado/Vitis, ModelSim, and other toolchains while maintaining robust production-ready designs under TS/SCI with Poly clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 14+ years or Master's 12+ years or PhD/JD 9+ years.
• Additional experience may substitute for a degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI with Poly clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design FPGA architectures using VHDL-2019, VHDL-2008, VHDL, and basic Verilog as required.
• Target Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC devices; Versal a strong plus.
• Create self-checking simulation constructs and testbenches to validate behavior.
• Automate toolflows with Tcl and shell scripting.
• Develop high-throughput streaming data paths and timing constraints.
• Debug FPGA with HDL simulation, waveform analysis, and logic analyzers.
• Develop embedded software in C/C++/Python to interface with FPGA logic.
• Contribute to DSP algorithm design as needed.
• Work with SDR platforms (USRP, Pluto SDR) for system development.
• Apply microcontroller firmware design for embedded subsystems.
• Develop on Linux systems and write Bash automation scripts.
• Use Xilinx tools (Vivado, Vitis) and XSim; perform simulations with ModelSim/Aldec.
• Collaborate using Git for version control.

Skills

FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded software development

DSP algorithms

Linux workflows

HDL verification & testbenches

Xilinx MPSoC/Versal experience

SDR platforms (USRP/Pluto)

C/C++/Python programming

Git version control

Vivado/Vitis toolchains

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Additional experience may substitute for a degree

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

ModelSim

Aldec Riviera Pro

Job 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.

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