Senior Firmware/FPGA Engineer - Space Technologies

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

3d • $125,000 - $183,000

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. Design & Development: 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. Integration & Validation: 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).

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: T his 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. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. 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. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees