Senior FPGA Engineer
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: On-site
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior FPGA Engineer to lead the design, development, verification, and implementation of FPGA-based digital solutions for high-reliability aerospace, defense, and electronic systems.
This role offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, from initial architecture and prototype development through production, product support, and component obsolescence management. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on FPGA design experience, expertise in VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog, and the ability to collaborate across electrical engineering, firmware/software, test, and manufacturing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, implement, and maintain FPGA-based digital logic for new and existing products.
Develop FPGA architectures and RTL designs using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog.
Perform simulation, functional verification, debugging, synthesis, implementation, timing analysis, and design optimization.
Develop verification strategies, test benches, and hardware validation procedures.
Integrate FPGA designs with processors, memory, clocks, high-speed interfaces, and board-level hardware.
Troubleshoot technical issues across FPGA, electrical, and firmware/software systems.
Support FPGA device selection, component lifecycle management, and product obsolescence initiatives.
Collaborate with electrical engineers on schematics, PCB layout, signal integrity, clocking, power, and interface design.
Maintain engineering documentation, source files, design constraints, revision history, and release packages.
Lead design reviews and provide technical guidance on FPGA architecture, coding standards, and verification practices.
Support prototype development, laboratory testing, root-cause analysis, and production troubleshooting.
Partner with manufacturing, test, supply chain, and external suppliers to improve manufacturability, production readiness, cost efficiency, and long-term product reliability.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
At least 8 years of professional engineering experience, including significant hands-on FPGA design and development in aerospace, defense, communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems.
Strong experience with FPGA architecture, RTL design, simulation, synthesis, implementation, timing closure, and hardware verification.
Proficiency in VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog, including the development of reusable, maintainable FPGA code.
Experience with FPGA development tools such as AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or comparable platforms.
Hands-on experience integrating and debugging FPGA designs at the board and system level using laboratory equipment and hardware debugging tools.
Strong understanding of digital design principles, clock-domain crossing, timing constraints, interfaces, and FPGA design best practices.
Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of technical accuracy.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience with AMD/Xilinx or Intel FPGA families and embedded FPGA/SoC platforms.
Knowledge of high-speed digital interfaces, serial communications, digital signal processing (DSP), timing, synchronization, or communications systems.
Familiarity with aerospace and defense standards and regulations, including AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and applicable MIL-STD requirements.
Experience with PCB design, design for manufacturability (DFM), automated testing, production support, component obsolescence, and transitioning products from development to manufacturing.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Primarily office-based position within a warehouse facility, with an open-concept workspace.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform computer-based engineering tasks.
Ability to inspect PCB layouts, schematics, and fine electronic components.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds when handling prototypes or laboratory equipment.
Willingness to follow established safety and quality procedures, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection requirements.
Comfort working in a shared environment where conversations, noise, and occasional interruptions may occur.
Additional Requirements
Due to U.S. export control regulations and contractual requirements,
applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Candidates must also be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance if required for the position. An active clearance may not be necessary at the time of hire.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.