Sr FPGA & Imaging Systems Engineer (SWIR)

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 96,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Senior FPGA & Imaging Systems Engineer to join a small, agile SWIR imaging team.

You will work on high-speed digital hardware and FPGA-based image acquisition and processing for industrial, scientific, aerospace, and machine vision applications. The role involves Verilog/VHDL development, DDR3/DDR4 interfaces, SERDES, embedded C/C++, and close collaboration with sensor, firmware, software, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in high-speed digital circuit design.
• Minimum 5 years FPGA hardware design with Verilog/VHDL.
• Experience with DDR3/DDR4 memory interfaces.
• Experience with high-speed SERDES interfaces.
• Embedded software experience in C/C++ (3+ years).
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Design high-speed digital hardware for advanced SWIR imaging systems.
• Architect and implement FPGA-based image acquisition, processing, and control.
• Develop FPGA code using Verilog and/or VHDL.
• Design DDR3/DDR4 memory interfaces up to 800 MHz.
• Implement and debug high-speed SERDES interfaces up to 700 Mbps.
• Design FPGA power delivery and supporting power supply circuitry.
• Develop real-time image processing pipelines within FPGA architectures.
• Develop and maintain embedded software in C and/or C++.
• Integrate ADCs, DACs, sensors, and peripherals via I2C, SPI, and related interfaces.
• Perform system integration, hardware bring-up, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Create and review schematics and perform PCB layout support as needed.

Skills

Verilog

VHDL

FPGA design

DDR3/DDR4

SERDES

Embedded C/C++

I2C/SPI

Laboratory debugging

Education

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

Tools

PCB Layout Tools

Schematic capture

Job description

Job Title: Senior FPGA & Imaging Systems Engineer

Employment Type: Contract-To-Direct

Hourly Rate:

Schedule: M-F standard

About the Opportunity

Join a small, highly collaborative engineering team developing next-generation Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging technology for industrial, scientific, aerospace, defense, and machine vision applications. This is a rare opportunity to work directly on novel imaging technology and help shape products from initial concept through production release.

We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving challenging technical problems and are excited by the prospect of making a visible impact in a small, agile organization. Our SWIR camera division functions as a start-up within the larger organization. Members of our team are expected to take ownership across multiple disciplines while at the same time being supported by a global organization. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between FPGA design, digital hardware development, embedded systems, board bring-up, laboratory debugging, as well as schematic capture and PCB layout as needed.

If you are the type of engineer who enjoys wearing multiple hats and contributing wherever needed to move a product forward, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge imaging systems alongside a highly experienced development team.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop high-speed digital hardware for advanced SWIR imaging systems.
• Architect and implement FPGA-based solutions for image acquisition, processing, and control.
• Develop FPGA code using Verilog and/or VHDL.
• Design and validate DDR3/DDR4 memory interfaces operating up to 800 MHz.
• Implement and debug high-speed SERDES interfaces operating up to 700 Mbps.
• Design FPGA power delivery and supporting power supply circuitry.
• Develop real-time image processing pipelines within FPGA architectures.
• Design embedded processor hardware and supporting circuitry.
• Develop and maintain embedded software in C and/or C++.
• Integrate ADCs, DACs, sensors, and peripherals using I2C, SPI, and related interfaces.
• Perform system integration, hardware bring-up, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Create and review schematics and, when project needs require, perform PCB layout and design support activities.
• Collaborate closely with sensor, firmware, software, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to deliver complete imaging solutions.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring (Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree (or Master's) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Min 5 years of experience in high-speed digital circuit design.
• Min 5 years of FPGA hardware design experience, including:
  • Proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL.
  • Experience with DDR3/DDR4 memory interfaces.
  • Experience with high-speed serial interfaces (SERDES).
  • Embedded processor hardware design experience.
  • Experience interfacing ADCs, DACs, and mixed-signal devices using I2C, SPI, or similar protocols.
  • Strong debugging and laboratory troubleshooting skills.
• Min 3 years of embedded software development experience in C and/or C++.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident due to ITAR

What Sets You Apart

• Experience implementing real-time image processing algorithms in FPGA architectures.
• Familiarity with Camera Link and machine vision systems.
• Experience with CMOS image sensors, SWIR imaging, scientific cameras, or machine vision products.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools.
• Knowledge of signal integrity and power integrity analysis.
• Experience developing products from concept through production.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.