Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

CACI International Inc; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. in Colorado Springs, CO is seeking a Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer to lead architecture and implementation of FPGA and firmware across multiple product lines.

The role includes mentoring engineers, driving hardware/firmware decisions, and owning high-performance FPGA platforms. The candidate should have strong VHDL/Verilog, RF lab proficiency, and experience with Xilinx Ultrascale/RFSoC platforms, enabling collaboration with customers and leading design reviews in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of FPGA/firmware engineering experience
• US Citizenship required
• Expert experience with VHDL/Verilog for complex FPGA architectures
• Mastery of FPGA verification methodologies including constrained-random and coverage-driven approaches
• Experience leading FPGA implementation, timing closure, and hardware validation
• Practical RF lab skills with spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, RF fixtures
• Experience leading PCB architecture, schematic design, and reviews
• Fluency with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, SERDES, LVDS, JESD204)
• Proficiency with Python, TCL, MATLAB for FPGA automation and analysis
• Ability to define and lead system-level hardware/firmware architectures
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead FPGA and firmware architecture across product lines
• Serve as technical lead for design reviews and system integration
• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers
• Architect high-performance FPGA systems with DSP pipelines and high-speed data paths
• Participate in PCB schematic development and cross-functional integration
• Lead design, verification, and validation of FPGA/firmware systems with test plans and V&V workflows
• Engage with customers to translate mission needs into architectures
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes and reusable designs
• Communicate architectures and execution plans to stakeholders

Skills

FPGA design

Verilog/VHDL

Firmware engineering

PCB design

Python

RF lab skills

System-level architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Xilinx Ultrascale

RFSoC

MPSoC platforms

PCIe

Ethernet

SerDes

Job description

Job Title: Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

Anticipated Posting End: 1/1/2099

The Opportunity

CACI's Advanced Communications (AC) division builds transformational software and hardware solutions that support critical programs around the globe and in space. Since 2008, AC has delivered more than 2,500 applications, services/microservices, and cloud-based solutions that support mission-critical communication networks. From manned space missions to technology demonstrations, AC has been entrusted as a vital infrastructure partner for commercial, civil, and Government customers alike. We are seeking a Senior FPGA/Firmware Engineer who leads complex architectures, mentors engineers, and drives technical decisions across hardware, firmware, and system-level designs. This role has ownership of FPGA, firmware, and PCB design for CACI's hardware platforms. Our engineers design advanced software-defined and FPGA-enabled systems for high-performance RF and baseband operations.

Position located in Colorado Springs, CO with hybrid schedules possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of FPGA and firmware solutions across multiple product lines.
• Serve as technical lead for design reviews, system integration, and hardware/firmware decision-making.
• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, promoting best practices and technical excellence.
• Architect high-performance FPGA systems including DSP pipelines, memory interfaces, and high-speed data paths.
• Participate in PCB schematic development, component selection, and cross-functional integration.
• Lead the design, verification, and validation (V&V) of FPGA and firmware systems, including developing rigorous test plans, simulation strategies, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation workflows.
• Engage with customers to translate mission needs into system and FPGA/firmware architectures.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes and reusable design methodologies.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders and leadership on project architectures and execution.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of FPGA/firmware engineering experience.
• Must have US Citizenship.
• Expert experience with VHDL/Verilog for designing complex, high-performance FPGA architectures.
• Mastery of FPGA simulation methodologies including constrained-random and coverage-driven verification.
• Experience leading FPGA implementation, timing closure, and hardware validation.
• Practical RF lab skills, including the use of spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and RF test fixtures.
• Experience leading PCB architecture, schematic design, and design review activities.
• Fluency with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, SERDES, LVDS, JESD204).
• Proficiency with Python, TCL, MATLAB for FPGA automation and analysis.
• Ability to define and lead system-level hardware/firmware architectures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired

• Senior-level embedded development experience in C/C++ for microcontrollers, SoCs, and soft-core processors.
• Strong DSP background with ability to architect and optimize processing pipelines.
• Track record of technical leadership: setting architecture, reviewing designs, mentoring engineers, and driving high-quality execution.
• Experience with Xilinx Ultrascale, RFSoC, and MPSoC platforms.
• Experience leading customer technical discussions and proposal efforts.
• Familiarity with telemetry, satellite communications, and space system architectures.

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is

$105,100-$231,100

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.