FPGA Engineer

Quest Defense; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Competitive pay

Comprehensive medical/dental/life coverage

401(k) with employer match

Professional development support

Job summary

Quest Defense in Cedar Rapids is actively hiring an FPGA Verification Engineer to enhance vital modernization efforts involving FPGA technology. This role emphasizes on-target testing, simulation, and adhering to stringent DO-254 certification requirements.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience. An attractive sign-on bonus and relocation assistance are provided for eligible candidates. Enjoy a collaborative work environment prioritizing career growth and meaningful contributions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in FPGA verification using SystemVerilog/UVM.
• Familiarity with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado.
• Ability to construct an FPGA Test Bench from scratch using UVM components.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute FPGA verification plans and procedures.
• Perform simulation, debug, root cause analysis, and regression testing.
• Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware teams to resolve issues.

Skills

FPGA verification using SystemVerilog/UVM

Requirements-based verification and traceability

Digital systems knowledge

DO-254 regulated environments

FPGA development tools (Xilinx Vivado)

Simulation debug and functional coverage

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

UVM

VHDL

GitLab

Change Tracking (JIRA)

Job description

Hiring now with a $5,000 Sign On Bonus!!

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an FPGA Verification Engineer to support a critical modernization program involving the replacement of obsolete FPGA components within a Digital Control Unit.

This role is focused on On-Target Testing (OTT), simulation, and verification of FPGA designs used in a safety-critical environment. You will help ensure new FPGA implementations meet functional, timing, and DO-254 certification requirements while working alongside hardware, systems, and software engineering teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for engineers who enjoy solving complex verification challenges, working hands-on in the lab, and contributing to high-reliability systems.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful Permanent Residents.

This role is onsite, and candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to Cedar Rapids, IA. There is a relocation bonus for eligible candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute FPGA verification plans, procedures, and test strategies
• Build and maintain UVM-based testbenches, agents, drivers, monitors, scoreboards, and sequences
• Perform simulation, debug, root cause analysis, and regression testing
• Support On-Target Testing (OTT) and hardware integration activities
• Create and maintain DO-254 lifecycle documentation, including requirements traceability and verification evidence
• Review RTL designs, requirements, and test results for quality and compliance
• Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware teams to resolve issues and ensure design readiness
• Support board bring-up and lab validation as needed

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in FPGA verification using SystemVerilog / UVM
• Experience with requirements-based verification and traceability
• Has working knowledge of digital systems, components, FPGA design methodologies, testing, debugging, root cause analysis, and testing methodologies
• Experience in DO-254 regulated environments (DAL A preferred)
• Experience with coding conventions, unit testing, and integration testing of PLD/FPGA's.
• Familiarity with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado
• Ability to construct an FPGA Test Bench from scratch using UVM Components.
• Experience developing UVM Predictors and Scoreboards to Implement Self-Checking Simulation Tests.
• Proficiency in developing UVM Agents, Drivers, Monitors, and Sequence Items.
• Experience with simulation debug, assertions, and functional coverage
• Understanding of digital logic, timing analysis, and hardware debugging
• Must be self-motivated and have initiative
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Desired Skills

• Troubleshooting/RCCA
• Reliability analysis
• Thermal analysis
• ENV/EMI Test
• MFG Test
• Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Technologies and Tools

• UVM
• VHDL
• GitLab
• Displays/Video Processing
• Safety Critical Design Awareness
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Change Tracking (JIRA or similar)

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

• What You’ll Find Here
• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.
• Benefits Include
• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.