FPGA & Embedded SW Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

191 Altera Corporation; Hazlet Township (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Altera is seeking an FPGA & Embedded Software Engineer to design FPGA solutions and embedded software for Aerospace & Defense projects. The role collaborates with customers to translate requirements into FPGA and software architectures, develops RTL and embedded code (C++, Python, Matlab), and leads bring-up and validation in lab and field environments.

The position requires 6+ years in FPGA design, experience with RTL, Verilog/VHDL, high-speed interfaces, and a strong test/validation mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in FPGA design, development, or system integration RTL experience.
• Experience with FPGA design, FPGA to board interface, and hardware bring-up/debug.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based systems and integration into larger platforms.
• Knowledge of high-speed digital design and interfaces (e.g., DDR, PCIe, Ethernet).
• Hands-on lab experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate FPGA & Software solutions for Aerospace & Defense customer projects and reference platforms.
• Collaborate with aerospace & defense customers to translate system requirements into FPGA & SW architectures.
• Develop RTL-level design, including Verilog, VHDL, and test benches.
• Develop embedded software (C++, Python) and Matlab code to control and monitor the FPGA.
• Lead FPGA bring-up, debug, and validation in lab and customer environments.
• Partner with FPGA, software, and systems engineering teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Develop technical documentation, validation plans, and customer-facing design collateral.
• Troubleshoot system-level issues in demanding, mission-critical environments.

Skills

RTL design

Verilog

VHDL

test benches

Embedded software

C++

Python

Matlab

high-speed interfaces

DDR

PCIe

Ethernet

lab/debug tooling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Job Details: Job Description: Altera is an independent company delivering programmable solutions that power high-performance and mission-critical applications. Our FPGA technologies are widely deployed across aerospace, defense, and government systems where performance, reliability, and security are essential.

Role Overview Altera is seeking an FPGA & Embedded Software Engineer to support the Aerospace & Defense organization. This role focuses on developing FPGA designs along with embedded software, partnering closely with defense and government customers to design, develop, and deploy FPGA-based systems for mission-critical applications. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the Altera Hazlet, New Jersey office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate FPGA & Software solutions for Aerospace & Defense customer projects and reference platforms
• Collaborate directly with aerospace & defense customers to translate system requirements into FPGA & SW architectures
• Develop RTL-level design, including Verilog, VHDL, and test benches
• Develop embedded software (C++, Python) and Matlab code to control and monitor the FPGA
• Lead FPGA bring-up, debug, and validation in lab and customer environments
• Partner with FPGA, software, and systems engineering teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
• Develop technical documentation, validation plans, and customer-facing design collateral
• Troubleshoot system-level issues in demanding, mission-critical environments

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$120.3K - $174.2K USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in FPGA design, development, or system integration RTL experience.
• Experience with FPGA design, FPGA to board interface, and hardware bring-up/debug
• Familiarity with FPGA-based systems and integration into larger platforms
• Knowledge of high-speed digital design and interfaces (e.g., DDR, PCIe, Ethernet)
• Hands-on lab experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related tools

Security Clearance Requirement This position may involve work on U.S. Government contracts that require access to controlled or classified information. Accordingly, all applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain the required security clearance may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment, consistent with applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government programs
• Familiarity with Altera FPGA platforms and toolchain
• Experience with ruggedized or mission-critical hardware design environments
• Exposure to embedded systems and HW/SW co-design
• Experience working in customer-facing or applications engineering roles

Key Competencies

• Strong hardware debugging and system-level problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex mission requirements into practical engineering solutions
• Comfort working in customer-facing, high-visibility environments
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities

Job Type: Regular Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America) Primary Location: Hazlet Additional Locations:

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

About Altera

Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.