Sr FPGA / Firmware Engineer

Actalent; United States; Remote; USD 99,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an FPGA/Firmware Engineer to design, verify, and optimize firmware for FPGA-based and embedded control systems in defense and aerospace applications. You will work with cross-functional teams and utilize VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog to meet demanding mission-critical requirements.

The role emphasizes high-reliability systems, DO-254 style documentation, and collaboration across RF, digital, and systems engineering.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of firmware experience for FPGA or embedded systems in aerospace/defense environments.
• Strong proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog for FPGA and digital logic design.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and optimize firmware for FPGA and embedded control systems using VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.
• Develop and maintain low-level control and data-processing logic for mixed-signal and RF systems.
• Develop and maintain logic to support neural network processing within FPGA-based platforms.
• Integrate firmware with higher-level embedded software and hardware components for seamless operation.
• Define FPGA architectures for signal processing, control logic, and interface management.
• Collaborate with RF, electrical, and systems engineers to meet timing and performance requirements.
• Participate in schematic and board-level design reviews to ensure compatibility.
• Develop simulation testbenches and perform verification using Questa, Vivado, etc.
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debug in the lab with test equipment.
• Document design approaches, test procedures, and verification results per DoD standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware development, verification, and integration practices.

Skills

VHDL

Verilog

SystemVerilog

FPGA design

Digital logic

C/C++

Python basics

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Questa

Vivado

Xilinx/AMD toolchain

Intel/Altera toolchain

Microchip/Microsemi toolchain

Job description

Job Title: FPGA / Firmware Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a FPGA/Firmware Engineer to join a defense electronics development team focused on high-reliability systems for RF, ISR, RADAR, SATCOM, and Environmental Control System (ECS) applications. You will design, implement, and verify complex firmware for FPGA-based and embedded control systems, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver mission-critical products for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and optimize firmware for FPGA and embedded control systems using VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.
• Develop and maintain low-level control and data-processing logic for mixed-signal and RF systems.
• Develop and maintain logic to support neural network processing and algorithmic functions within FPGA-based platforms.
• Integrate firmware with higher-level embedded software and hardware components to ensure seamless system operation.
• Define and implement FPGA architectures for signal processing, control logic, and interface management.
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineers to define timing, interface, and performance requirements for complex defense and aerospace systems.
• Participate in schematic and board-level design reviews to ensure compatibility and optimal interaction between firmware and hardware.
• Develop simulation testbenches and perform verification at module and system levels using tools such as Questa, Vivado, or equivalent EDA environments.
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debug activities in the lab using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF test equipment.
• Document design approaches, implementation details, test procedures, and verification results in accordance with internal processes and applicable Department of Defense standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware development, verification, and integration practices within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain or hold a Department of Defense security clearance.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing firmware for FPGA or embedded systems in aerospace or defense environments.
• Strong proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog for FPGA and digital logic design.
• Experience with Xilinx/AMD, Intel/Altera, or Microchip/Microsemi FPGA toolchains and development environments.
• Solid understanding of digital logic design principles, including timing closure, clock domain crossing, and simulation methodologies.
• Hands-on experience integrating firmware with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204B/C, SPI, and UART.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute simulation testbenches and verification plans using tools like Questa and Vivado.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to produce clear design specifications, test plans, and verification reports.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams in RF, digital, and systems engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with DO-254, MIL-STD-461, or other relevant defense and aerospace design standards.
• Experience developing firmware for RF, electronic warfare (EW), or satellite communications systems.
• Exposure to embedded C or C++ for low-level software integration and control.
• Experience using Python-based test frameworks or scripting for automation and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
• Experience in digital circuit design beyond FPGA implementation, including board-level considerations.
• Experience in signal processing or data acquisition firmware design, particularly for mixed-signal and RF applications.
• Interest in working on advanced systems across product lines such as RF front ends, mixed-signal solutions, and digital subsystems.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative engineering environment that supports advanced development for Department of Defense and aerospace programs across product lines including advanced systems, RF front ends, mixed-signal solutions, and digital systems. The role involves close interaction with electrical, RF, and systems engineers, and frequent use of modern FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx/AMD, Intel/Altera, or Microchip/Microsemi environments. Day-to-day work includes simulation and verification using tools like Questa and Vivado, as well as hands-on lab activities involving logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF test equipment for hardware bring-up and system integration. The setting emphasizes high reliability, adherence to defense standards, and rigorous design and verification practices, providing opportunities to contribute to mission-critical products in a professional, technically challenging, and team-oriented atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.11 - $95.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.