Senior Firmware/FPGA Engineer - Space Technologies

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

4d

About The Position

AV seeks a skilled Senior FPGA Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team within the SpaceTech division. This role focuses on developing high-performance digital systems for electromechanical, electro-optical, control, and communication solutions, utilizing SoC, FPGA, GPP, and microcontroller architectures. Core Responsibilities The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end firmware development and validation for space electronics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Six years of experience using and implementing designs on: Xilinx devices (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex) and toolchains (Vivado, ISE).
• Microchip devices (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4) and toolchains (Libero).
• Six years of experience in embedded systems firmware development, preferably for aerospace or space applications.
• Six years of experience designing with Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog).
• Proven experience successfully taking VHDL or Verilog designs from concept to physical hardware implementation.
• Expertise in digital design techniques, including multiple clock-domain management.
• Proficient with in-system debuggers and logic analyzers.
• Experience with Tool Command Language (TCL) for script automation.
• Experience designing and managing FPGA physical constraints.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
• ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.
• A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of RTOS, bare-metal firmware, and hardware-software co-design principles.
• Familiarity with modern verification techniques (e.g., linting and constrained random testing).
• Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices, FPGA floorplanning, Xilinx System Generator, hardware accelerators, and space communication protocols.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python, or Java for embedded software or scripting tasks.
• Familiarity with alternative synthesis and simulation environments (Synopsys, Aldec).

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement mission-specific and general-purpose firmware for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems.
• Develop and maintain firmware for standard and specialized peripheral interfaces, including: Analog-to-Digital (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog (DAC) Converters.
• Serial communication links (e.g., SpaceWire, SPI, CameraLink, 1Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B).
• Optimize embedded software for radiation-hardened and high-reliability space environments.
• Develop and maintain automated build scripts (TCL) for the FPGA firmware platform.
• Conduct rigorous system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real-world aerospace conditions.
• Deploy and verify firmware functionality on physical hardware devices.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless system functionality.
• Ensure technical compliance with relevant space industry standards (e.g., NASA, ESA, MIL-STD).

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

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