Lead FPGA Firmware Engineer for Space Imaging

General Atomics and Affiliated Companies; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks an Electrical Engineer (EE) or Computer Engineer (CE) to join the Optical Sensors Systems team in Acton, MA. You will work on embedded firmware and real-time image processing for space-based imaging systems, collaborating with engineers on prototype design, integration, and testing.

The role requires designing FPGA-based image processing, HDL development, and embedded software using Xilinx tools, with opportunities for leadership and travel

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree with seniority: 12+ years with BS, 10+ with MS, or 7+ with PhD.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Experience designing and implementing real-time imaging algorithms on FPGAs for optical systems.
• Experience performing simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
• Develop HDL (VHDL or Verilog) and embedded C/C++ firmware using Xilinx tools (Vivado/Vitis).
• Integrate systems with sensors, actuators, and optical components.
• Optimize signal processing pipelines for low latency and high precision.

Responsibilities

• Lead firmware development and guide junior staff on projects.
• Design, prototype, test, and integrate space-based imaging systems across product lines.
• Coordinate documentation, reporting, and technical presentations for project milestones.
• Represent GA-EMS as a technical contact on imaging projects.
• Travel as needed for development and proposal activities.

Skills

Real-time imaging on FPGAs

HDL (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded C/C++ firmware

Proficient with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis

Strong communication and presentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks an Electrical Engineer (EE) or Computer Engineer (CE) to join the Optical Sensors Systems team in Acton, MA. You will work on embedded firmware and real-time image processing for space-based imaging systems, collaborating with engineers on prototype design, integration, and testing.

The role requires designing FPGA-based image processing, HDL development, and embedded software using Xilinx tools, with opportunities for leadership and travel