Sr. FPGA Firmware Developer

BLUE ORIGIN; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 181,626 - 254,275; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

US government clearance sponsorship

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks an experienced Sr. FPGA Firmware Developer to design, develop, and verify FPGA firmware for secure communications within the COMSEC team. You will collaborate with Electrical Hardware Design and Systems Engineering to deliver high‑performance solutions supporting spaceflight missions.

The role requires 10+ years in FPGA firmware development, strong VHDL/Verilog skills, and experience with Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus. A U.S. Government Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in FPGA firmware development.
• Proficiency in VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Experience with FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, etc.).
• Strong understanding of digital design principles, timing constraints, and verification methodologies.
• Working knowledge of AXI bus implementations.
• Experience working with hardware design teams and interpreting schematics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, simulate, and verify FPGA firmware for COMSEC applications.
• Collaborate closely with circuit designers and embedded developers throughout the full development lifecycle.
• Define and document firmware architecture, requirements, and interfaces.
• Perform FPGA synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis.
• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and testing activities.
• Troubleshoot and debug firmware issues in lab and field environments.
• Contribute to design reviews and technical documentation.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Xilinx Vivado

Intel Quartus

digital design

AXI bus

schematics

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Intel Quartus

Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

About the Role

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Sr. F** PGA Firmware Developer **to join our COMSEC team within the Core Systems and Components group. In this role, you will play a critical part in designing, developing, and verifying FPGA firmware for secure communications systems. You will work closely with our Electrical Hardware Design and Systems Engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance solutions in support of Blue Origin’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, simulate, and verify FPGA firmware for COMSEC applications
• Collaborate closely with circuit designers and embedded developers throughout the full development lifecycle
• Define and document firmware architecture, requirements, and interfaces
• Perform FPGA synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis
• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and testing activities
• Troubleshoot and debug firmware issues in lab and field environments
• Contribute to design reviews and technical documentation

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in FPGA firmware development
• Proficiency in VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Experience with FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, etc.)
• Strong understanding of digital design principles, timing constraints, and verification methodologies
• Working knowledge of AXI bus implementations
• Experience working with hardware design teams and interpreting schematics
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance strongly preferred
• Experience in COMSEC, cryptographic systems, or secure communications
• Exposure to zero-trust security architecture principles and implementation
• Familiarity with high-speed serial interfaces (PCIe, SpaceWire, Ethernet, etc.)
• Experience with DO-254 or other hardware development assurance standards
• Knowledge of embedded systems and hardware/firmware co-design

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company’s intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company’s results, or other factors at the company’s sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.