FAST Lab – Senior FPGA Engineer

BAE Systems • Merrimack, NH

7d • $97,008 - $164,914 • Hybrid

About The Position

BAE Systems’ FAST Labs is seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to lead or support the design, development, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems for defense applications, including Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EOIR), communications, and radar. The engineer will architect solutions, guide technical decisions, and collaborate with a team throughout the development lifecycle. The role calls for independently driving technical projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to a culture of technical excellence while helping develop innovative research products. The position is hybrid, combining on-site collaboration with remote work, and offers a flexible work schedule that includes every other Friday off.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with 4 or more years of experience.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in an HDL such as VHDL or Verilog, including code and design review experience.
• Deep understanding of digital logic design, FPGA architectures such as Xilinx or Intel, and system-level design for signal processing and real-time systems.
• Strong proficiency with Xilinx Vivado or ISE, or Intel Quartus Prime, including synthesis, place and route, timing closure, and debugging.
• Experience with digital logic simulation tools such as QuestSim or Xcelium and fixed-point modeling for RTL verification.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as C, C++, Python, or MATLAB for embedded development, testbench creation, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with high-speed serial communication protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, or JESD204B, including protocol analysis, implementation, and signal-integrity considerations.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of resolving complex technical challenges in a defense-related environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences and lead and mentor junior engineers.
• Expertise with version control systems such as Git and software configuration management.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, specializing in FPGA design, digital signal processing, or RF/microwave engineering.
• Prior experience developing FPGA-based systems for RFEW, EOIR, or radar applications.
• Experience with embedded processor architectures such as ARM or PowerPC and their integration with FPGAs in real-time systems.
• Strong understanding of digital signal processing algorithms, such as FFTs, filters, and modulation/demodulation techniques, and their efficient implementation on FPGAs.
• Experience with system-level modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or SystemC for algorithm prototyping and system validation.
• Experience with board-level debugging using test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support the design, development, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems.
• Architect solutions and guide technical decisions throughout the development lifecycle.
• Work collaboratively with engineers on systems for RFEW, EOIR, communications, and radar applications.
• Drive technical projects independently.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
• Conduct or participate in HDL code and design reviews.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees.
• Flexible work schedule, including every other Friday off.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Legal plan.
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid parental, military, and bereavement leave, as well as applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

What This Job Offers

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