Embedded FPGA Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton•McLean, VA

2d•$86,800 - $198,000•Onsite

About The Position

Booz Allen is seeking an FPGA and software engineer to support development, optimization, and deployment of digital signal processing (DSP) functions on a SOSA VPX system. The engineer will design, implement, and validate system components and contribute to RF signal-processing applications on an embedded platform using modern FPGAs. The work includes traditional HDL development using Vitis HLS as well as learning and using development-acceleration tools beyond traditional workflows. The role calls for independent, self-guided learning and initiative, alongside collaboration and knowledge sharing in a cross-functional team. The engineer will develop FPGA-based DSP systems and algorithms, integrate designs with software, firmware, and broader system architectures, and verify performance and correctness under real-time constraints. The position also includes design optimization, reusable hardware IP development, documentation, and identifying techniques and technologies that improve development efficiency, DSP performance, or system capability. The position is listed as non-remote and is located in McLean, Virginia. Applicants selected will undergo a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience developing FPGA or SDR solutions.
Experience with Python, embedded C++, MATLAB, or languages used to model DSP algorithms.
Experience using Agile processes and tools, including Jira or Confluence.
Experience with FPGA design using Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or HLS, and evaluation tools such as simulation, synthesis, fitting, timing analysis, implementation, and debug.
Experience with Linux/UNIX development environments and scripting languages.
Knowledge of digital design fundamentals, streaming architectures, pipelining, buffering, and data-path timing.
Ability to read hardware schematics and work with lab equipment, including logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing or prototyping DSP algorithms in hardware.
Experience with SOSA VPX systems.
Experience developing HLS-friendly algorithms and optimizing C/C++ code for hardware translation.
Experience porting and adapting vendor RF transceiver reference designs, such as RTL, IP cores, and drivers, to FPGA evaluation boards and custom platforms.
Experience with RF testing.
Experience with high-speed digital interfaces such as AXI-Stream, AXI-Lite, DMA, and custom streaming buses.
Experience with GPU acceleration, parallel computing, or high-bandwidth data processing.
Experience gathering requirements, shaping development roadmaps, or supporting Agile workflows.
Experience with modern agentic engineering workflows, including AI-driven automation for FPGA design, simulation, synthesis, or testing.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Design and implement FPGA-based DSP systems using HDL, Vitis HLS, and modern FPGA toolchains.
Develop and optimize DSP algorithms, including filtering, detection, synchronization, modulation and demodulation, and transforms, into high-throughput, resource-efficient hardware blocks.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate FPGA designs with software, firmware, and larger system architectures.
Test, verify, and validate FPGA designs for functional correctness, stability, and performance under real-time constraints.
Optimize designs for timing, area, power, and throughput using HLS directives and traditional FPGA workflows.
Develop reusable hardware IP blocks to enable scalable DSP pipelines and accelerate future development.
Maintain documentation, including design notes, block diagrams, interface definitions, user guides, and workflow references.
Identify techniques and technologies that improve FPGA development efficiency, DSP performance, or overall system capability.