FPGA Engineer

Actalent; Town of Horseheads (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an FPGA Engineer to design FPGA-based hardware and embedded firmware for optical and laser systems. You will work closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to implement Verilog designs and integrate embedded software, contributing to system-level validation and improvements.

This permanent, onsite role in Horseheads, NY offers hands-on learning for recent graduates and early-career professionals eager to build technical expertise in hardware-software integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Open to recent graduates and early-career candidates, up to 7+ years.
• Strong skills in Verilog for FPGA development and digital hardware design.
• Foundational knowledge of FPGA design and embedded systems development.
• Programming in C and C++ for embedded firmware development.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate clearly.
• Interest in laser systems and enthusiasm for contributing to real product development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in architecture, design, and development of FPGA-based hardware and embedded systems (70% hardware, 30% firmware).
• Participate in FPGA and embedded software development, implementing designs in Verilog and C/C++.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify system performance, reliability, and functionality.
• Support hardware bring-up through final validation and system integration.
• Perform basic debugging of FPGA designs, embedded firmware, and hardware interfaces.
• Communicate status, test results, and technical challenges clearly within a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and expand technical knowledge.
• Support development of laser systems and optical products with a customer-focused mindset.

Skills

Verilog

C/C++

Embedded systems

Hardware debugging

Team collaboration

Recent graduates welcome

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

VHDL

Embedded Linux

Job description

FPGA Engineer

This role focuses on FPGA design and embedded systems software development to support the creation and integration of innovative optical and laser-based products.

The FPGA Engineer works closely to design, implement, and validate FPGA architectures and embedded firmware, contributing to both hardware and software aspects of the system.

This position offers a strong hands-on learning environment for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are eager to build their technical expertise and participate in real product development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the architecture, design, and development of FPGA-based hardware and embedded systems, with approximately 70% of the work dedicated to hardware design and 30% to firmware development.

• Participate in FPGA and embedded software development, contributing to the implementation of designs in Verilog and C/C++ for integration into optical and laser systems.

• Aid in the development and execution of test plans at various levels of integration to verify system performance, reliability, and functionality.

• Support integration and test activities from initial hardware bring-up through final system validation, working closely with to ensure smooth and successful system integration.

• Perform basic debugging and troubleshooting of FPGA designs, embedded firmware, and hardware interfaces, and help resolve technical issues in collaboration with the engineering team.

• Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team, communicating design status, test results, and technical challenges clearly and professionally.

• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by applying problem-solving skills, suggesting enhancements, and expanding professional and technical knowledge.

• Demonstrate strong customer focus and innovation mindset when supporting the development of laser systems and other advanced optical products.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• Open to recent graduates and early-career candidates, including those with up to 7+ years of experience.

• Strong skills in Verilog for FPGA development and digital hardware design.

• Foundational knowledge of FPGA design and embedded systems development, with an eagerness to contribute to programming and system integration.

• Basic understanding of hardware and software trade-offs in embedded and FPGA-based systems.

• Programming ability in C and C++ for embedded firmware development.

• Basic debugging and troubleshooting skills for hardware, FPGA logic, and embedded software.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating clear communication and a collaborative work ethic.

• Strong adaptability, customer focus, and innovation capabilities.

• Effective planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing technical learning.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with VHDL for FPGA development is beneficial but not mandatory.

• Exposure to embedded Linux or real-time operating systems is beneficial but not required.

• Interest in laser systems and enthusiasm for contributing to real product development.

• Willingness to learn and expand professional and technical knowledge in FPGA design, embedded systems, and optical system integration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Horseheads, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Bonus, PTO, Holiday, 401k, Equity

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Horseheads,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.