Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

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

Job summary

CA CI International Inc. in Colorado Springs, CO, seeks a Senior FPGA/Firmware Engineer to lead FPGA and firmware architectures for high‑performance RF and baseband systems.

You will own FPGA/firmware design across multiple product lines and mentor junior engineers in system‑level hardware decisions. The role requires a strong background in VHDL/Verilog, FPGA verification, and PCB design, with proficiency in Python/TCL/MATLAB for automation and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years FPGA/firmware experience.
• Must be US Citizenship.
• Expert with VHDL/Verilog for high‑performance FPGA architectures.
• Experience with constrained-random and coverage-driven FPGA verification.
• Experience leading FPGA implementation, timing closure, and hardware validation.
• RF lab skills: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, RF fixtures.
• Experience leading PCB architecture, schematic design, and design reviews.
• Fluency with high-speed interfaces: PCIe, Ethernet, SERDES, LVDS, JESD204.
• Proficiency in Python, TCL, MATLAB for FPGA automation/analysis.
• Ability to define and lead system-level hardware/firmware architectures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

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 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 of FPGA and firmware systems, including test plans and hardware-in-the-loop 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 architectures and execution status to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

FPGA design

VHDL/Verilog

FPGA verification

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

VHDL/Verilog

Python

MATLAB

TCL

PCIe interface

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.