Principal FPGA Engineer II

alcon; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Principal FPGA Engineer II to lead FPGA/embedded development in Goleta, CA. You will design FPGA logic (VHDL/Verilog), develop image processing pipelines, and interface with sensors and DDR memory while mentoring junior engineers.

You will also oversee timing closure, develop firmware in C/C++/Python, and collaborate with EE and software teams in an Agile environment. Relocation and visa sponsorship are supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Relocation and Visa Sponsorship: Yes

Responsibilities

• Designing FPGA logic using VHDL or Verilog and writing testbenches for functional simulation
• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs
• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories
• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals (sensors, memories, etc)
• Programming embedded processors using C language
• Organizing weekly stand-up meetings and acting as technical lead
• Testing embedded systems with UART/RS-232, J-tag, oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
• Developing firmware using Agile Design Methodology and performing code reviews
• Creating detailed design documentation
• Maintaining automated FPGA build/test platforms with scripts
• Creating host tools/scripts in C/C++ or Python to test embedded systems
• Reviewing FPGA board schematics with EE team
• Collaborating with software for HW interfacing
• Mentoring junior FPGA engineers
• Interacting with other departments and external vendors

Skills

FPGA design

DDR memory interfacing

Finite-state machine architectures

Timing optimization

VHDL

Verilog

C/C++

Python

FPGA debugging

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent in related field

Tools

Xilinx ISE/Vivado

Intel Quartus

Microchip LiberoSoC

ModelSim/Questa

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal, FPGA Engineer II supporting Research & Development of Alcon’s Surgical Instrumentation onsite in Goleta, CA. You will be trusted to assist in the design and development of next-gen surgical camera technology used in eye surgery while collaborating across engineering disciplines and mentoring junior team members.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write testbenches for functional simulation.

• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.

• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.

• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensors, flash memories, etc.

• Programming embedded processors using C language.

• Organize weekly stand-up meeting and be the technical lead of the team

• Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.

• Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology. Using version control to commit and push firmware code. Performing code review through pull request.

• Writing detailed design documentation.

• Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.

• Creating host computer test tools or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems.

• Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematics and layout.

• Working with software developers for software/hardware interfacing.

• Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers.

• Interacting with other departments within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers.

• Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)

• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

• Relocation and Visa Sponsorship: Yes

PREFERRED:

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design, including DDR memory interfacing,finite‑state‑machine–basedarchitectures, and timing optimization through constraint files to achieve timing closure.

• Proficient with major FPGA development environments including Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, and/or Microchip LiberoSoC

• Experienced with FPGA functional simulation tools such as ModelSim or Questa.

• Prior technical lead experience in an FPGA design team.

• Strong programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog; C/C++; Python

• Knowledge of standard communication interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART/RS-232.

• Experience using version controls to maintain and manage code.

• Experience with HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, or equivalent.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics and PCB layout.

• Hands‑on experience using standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, analyzers and related tools.

• Strong troubleshooting skills at the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) level.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• Join Alcon’s mission to provide top-tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives.

• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.

• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!

Compensation and Benefits

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

Pay Range130,900.00 - 169,400.00

Pay FrequencyAnnual

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.