Principal Firmware Engineer II

Alcon • Goleta, CA

5d

About The Position

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal Firmware Engineer II supporting Research & Development of Alcon’s Surgical Instrumentation in Goleta, CA, you will be trusted to assist in the design of next-gen surgical cameras used in eye surgery. In this role, a typical day will include: Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write testbenches for functional simulation. Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs. Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories. Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensor, flash memories, etc. Programming embedded processors using C language. Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc. Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology. Using version control to commit and push firmware code. Performing code review through pull request. Writing detailed design documentations. Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting. Creating host computer test tool or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems. Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematic and layout. Working with software developer for software/hardware interfacing. Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers. Interacting with other department within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers. Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design, including DDR memory interfacing, finite‑state‑machine–based architectures, and applying best‑practice timing optimization—such as developing constraint files to ensure timing closure.
• Proficient with major FPGA development environments such as Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, and/or Microchip LiberoSoC; experienced with FPGA functional simulation tools including ModelSim or Questa.
• Proficient with following programming languages: VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog; C/C++; Python
• Knowledge of basic interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART/RS-232.
• Experience using version controls to maintain code.
• Experience with HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, or equivalent.
• Ability to read and understand schematics and PCB layout.
• Hands‑on experience using standard electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, analyzers, etc.) with strong ability to troubleshoot issues at the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) level.

Responsibilities

• Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write testbenches for functional simulation.
• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.
• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.
• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensor, flash memories, etc.
• Programming embedded processors using C language.
• Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.
• Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology.
• Using version control to commit and push firmware code.
• Performing code review through pull request.
• Writing detailed design documentations.
• Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.
• Creating host computer test tool or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems.
• Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematic and layout.
• Working with software developer for software/hardware interfacing.
• Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers.
• Interacting with other department within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers.
• Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.

Benefits

• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!
• Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
• Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level