Senior FPGA Engineering Lead – Defense Systems

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with matching and Lifetime

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life & disability coverage

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness programs

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks a decisive technical leader to head an FPGA engineering team, guiding cost, schedule and performance across defense programs onsite.

You will partner with software, hardware, systems design and program management, shaping pursuit strategies, sustaining products, and ensuring technical excellence with strong cost control. A security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• At least 5+ years experience leading engineering teams, including mentoring, task delegation, and cross-functional collaboration in a technical development environment
• Experience in program execution, including bidding, project planning, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk and opportunity management
• At least 5+ years experience with FPGA/ASIC development

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Engineering Team: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of FPGA engineers from entry level to experienced professionals, including hiring, staffing, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Develop Talent and Support Career Growth: Coach employees on professional development, provide regular performance feedback, and support career growth opportunities within Collins Aerospace.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with engineers, engineering leaders, program managers, and shared services to deliver FPGA solutions and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Drive Product Strategy and Engineering Excellence: Lead the development of FPGA solutions that exceed customer expectations while supporting product line strategy and promoting best practices throughout the FPGA development lifecycle.
• Support Business Growth: Contribute technical expertise and strategic insight to proposal and pursuit efforts to help secure new business.
• Manage Staffing and Program Execution: Balance staffing across multiple programs to meet project schedules and resource needs while using earned value management to monitor program performance.
• Ensure Compliance and Continuous Improvement: Ensure engineering activities meet Collins standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while driving process improvements and operational efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

FPGA/ASIC development

Security clearance

Program management

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in related field

Tools

FPGA design tools (Vivado)

Earned Value Management tools

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks a decisive technical leader to head an FPGA engineering team, guiding cost, schedule and performance across defense programs onsite.

You will partner with software, hardware, systems design and program management, shaping pursuit strategies, sustaining products, and ensuring technical excellence with strong cost control. A security clearance is required.