Hardware Design Engineer

Actalent; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Merit-based bonus

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Training budgets

Flexible work arrangements

Employee referral bonuses

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an FPGA Hardware Design Engineer to lead architecture, design, and verification of FPGA and embedded firmware for advanced embedded systems. You will collaborate with software and system teams and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic, innovation-focused environment.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in RTL development and FPGA toolchains, with a TS clearance and proven leadership in small teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience.
• Experience with RTL development (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog).
• Experience with FPGA design, synthesis, and P&R tools.
• Experience developing Verilog/SystemVerilog test benches.
• Exposure to DSP concepts & Signals & Systems.
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead FPGA architecture, design, coding, verification, and lab debugging activities.
• Develop RTL using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Perform synthesis, place & route, and timing analysis.
• Develop and execute test benches for verification and validation.
• Collaborate with software and system engineers to define hardware/firmware interfaces.
• Integrate and validate FPGA designs within embedded systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership.

Skills

RTL development

VHDL/Verilog

FPGA design

SV test benches

Linux/Windows

Active TS clearance

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's in EE or Physics

Master's/PhD in EE/CE

Tools

Xilinx tool suite

GitLab

Job description

FPGA Hardware Design Engineer Job Description The primary role of the Hardware Design Engineer is to lead FPGA architecture, design, and development efforts in support of advanced embedded systems solutions. This position involves close collaboration with software and system engineers to architect, implement, verify, and debug FPGA and embedded firmware designs. The ideal candidate is technically strong, adaptable, customer-focused, and capable of leading small technical efforts while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to continuous innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead FPGA architecture, design, coding, verification, and lab debug activities.
• Develop and analyze RTL using VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog.
• Perform FPGA synthesis, place & route, and timing analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Develop and execute test benches for verification and validation.
• Collaborate with software and system engineers to define hardware/firmware interfaces.
• Integrate and validate FPGA designs within embedded systems environments.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience.
• Experience with RTL development (VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog).
• Experience with FPGA design, synthesis, and P&R tools.
• Experience developing Verilog/System Verilog test benches.
• Exposure to DSP concepts and Signals & Systems.
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience with Software Defined Radio (SDR) concepts & tools (GNU Radio, Matlab, etc.).
• Experience with C/C++, Bash, Tcl/TK, and GitLab.
• Experience with FPGA design using Xilinx's tool suite.
• Experience using soft/hard IP cores in FPGAs/ASICs.
• Exposure to embedded software development.
• Exposure to PCB design and development.
• Python scripting.

Work Environment This position is located in Annapolis Junction, MD. The work environment involves collaboration with a team of engineers, utilizing cutting-edge technology and tools to deliver innovative solutions in the field of embedded systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Annapolis Junction, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $215000.00/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. Compensation & Impact Competitive Base Salary: Aligned with your role, experience, and market data. Dual-Engine Bonus Model: Annual Company Performance Bonus + Merit-Based Performance Bonus to reward your direct impact.

Retirement: Building Your Future

Up to 10% Company Contribution: 4% match (dollar for dollar) + 6% non-elective contribution. Immediate vesting - it's all yours from day one!

Time Off: Rest & Recharge

4 Fixed Holidays + 2 Floating holidays per year Quarterly Floating Holidays in lieu of year-end shutdown 10 Paid Sick Days front-loaded at the start of the year. Discretionary Time Off (DTO): Flexible, trust-based vacation - no traditional accrual bank.

Ownership & Growth

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Purchase AV at a 15% discount. Investment in You: Tuition reimbursement, training budgets, and internal expert-led knowledge sharing.

Culture & Perks

Flexible work arrangements: Focus on flexibility in daily start and end times to support your work-life balance. Employee referral bonuses - help us grow with great people!

More specific information on benefits can be found at https://myavbenefits.avinc.com/

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Annapolis Junction,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

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.

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.