Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Palm Bay (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. seeks a Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering to stay hands-on at the intersection of embedded hardware and mission-focused capability in Palm Bay, FL. You will own RTL design, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring-up on AMD Xilinx platforms.

As an individual contributor, you will collaborate with systems, software, and test teams, participate in design reviews, and drive cross-functional problem solving, with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Hands-on AMD Xilinx FPGA development experience using Vivado.
• RTL design in VHDL/Verilog.
• Experience writing and debugging routing/timing constraints (XDC) and driving timing closure.
• Experience with simulation/verification workflows; scripting in TCL and/or Python.
• Linux-based development environments and version control workflows.
• Ability to read schematics and work with hardware/software teams during integration.
• Strong lab debug and root-cause analysis for hardware/firmware issues.
• BS in Computer, Electrical, or Software Engineering with 4–7 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic on AMD Xilinx devices.
• Create and maintain routing/timing constraints (XDC) and close timing across corners.
• Support board-level bring-up and lab debugging with Vivado, ILA, scopes, and analyzers.
• Perform full firmware lifecycle: requirements to release.
• Collaborate in Agile teams and participate in peer reviews and documentation.
• Travel up to 10% annually.

Skills

AMD Xilinx FPGA

RTL design

XDC timing constraints

TCL/Python scripting

Linux-based development

Schematic reading

Lab debug/root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Computer, Electrical, or Software Engineering

Tools

Vivado

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering

Job Code: 45520

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

We are seeking a Specialist, FPGA Firmware Engineering who wants to stay hands‑on at the intersection of embedded hardware and mission-focused capability. You will turn requirements into working FPGA solutions - owning RTL design, timing closure, verification, and hardware bring‑up on AMD Xilinx platforms. Working alongside systems, software, and test teams, you will help deliver dependable embedded capabilities that integrate reliably with target hardware. This is an individual‑contributor role with room to lead technically through design reviews, architecture decisions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving.

Essential Functions:

• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog on AMD Xilinx devices (e.g., Zynq UltraScale+, Kintex, and Versal families).
• Create and maintain routing and timing constraints (XDC), close timing across PVT corners, and resolve setup/hold violations with robust implementation strategies.
• Support board-level bring‑up and lab debug using Vivado tools (including ILA), oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers to isolate and resolve hardware/firmware integration issues.
• Work across the full firmware lifecycle including requirements decomposition, architecture, RTL implementation, simulation, synthesis, implementation, and release support.
• Collaborate in Agile teams, provide clear status/risk communication, and contribute to peer reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Travel up to 10% annually.

Qualifications:

• Hands‑on AMD Xilinx FPGA development experience using Vivado
• RTL design skills in VHDL or Verilog.
• Experience writing and debugging routing/timing constraints (XDC) and driving timing closure.
• Experience with simulation and verification workflows plus scripting in TCL and/or Python.
• Experience in Linux‑based development environments and version control workflows.
• Ability to read schematics and collaborate with hardware and software teams during integration.
• Strong lab debug and root‑cause analysis skills for hardware/firmware issues.
• BS in Computer, Electrical, or Software Engineering, or equivalent experience; 4-7 years of relevant engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with high‑speed interfaces and embedded processing subsystems on AMD Xilinx SoCs.
• Familiarity with secure/reliable firmware design practices for mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) test environments and automation.
• Prior defense, aerospace, communications, or radar‑domain experience.
• Experience supporting production and sustainment firmware updates.
• Possess or ability to obtain TS/SCI Clearance w/ CI Poly.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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