Senior FPGA Engineer

Job Description

This FPGA Engineer role owns the FPGA hardware logic inside a rover, developing real-time, deterministic avionics logic from initial concept through flight. You will design FPGA architectures, write RTL that becomes physical logic, and bridge hardware and software in a demanding space environment. This is a hands-on position where you collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight-ready FPGA solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support FPGA RTL development from a blank sheet concept through flight-ready implementation, ensuring reliable performance in a space environment.

• Develop FPGA logical architectures and detailed requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines, clearly defining hardware and software interfaces between fabric logic and processing subsystems.

• Design and implement RTL code for Microsemi, Xilinx, or other FPGA or SoC devices using SystemVerilog or VHDL.

• Perform comprehensive design verification, including simulations, test benches, timing analysis, and hardware testing to validate functionality, stability, and performance.

• Lead FPGA design reviews, present design decisions, and demonstrate full requirement traceability from specification through implementation and test.

• Create clear and thorough documentation for FPGA operation, configuration, and interfacing with embedded software and other FPGA systems.

• Develop, execute, and participate in test campaigns spanning unit-level manual tests, unit-level automated tests, and system-level tests.

• Simulate and verify FPGA behavior before hardware is available, identifying and resolving timing, stability, and logic issues early in the development cycle.

• Collaborate with hardware and PCB engineers to ensure FPGA designs integrate cleanly with board-level architectures and meet signal integrity and interface requirements.

• Work closely with embedded software engineers to define, implement, and refine HW/SW interfaces and ensure seamless integration of FPGA logic with software subsystems.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of FPGA development processes, tools, and verification methodologies in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in FPGA RTL architecture, development, verification, deployment, and maintenance.

• Strong proficiency in RTL design using SystemVerilog or VHDL.

• Skill in at least one scripting language such as TCL, shell, or Python.

• Experience with verification techniques, including simulations, test benches, and timing and stability analysis.

• Proficiency in understanding PCB designs and reading schematics.

• Proficiency in understanding embedded software and its interaction with FPGA-based logic.

• Proficiency with AXI protocols, including at least the AXI4 family.

• Knowledge of common bus and memory interfaces such as DDR4, SPI, I2C, and UART.

• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with evolving requirements and priorities.

• Experience with FPGA architectures and hardware verification on platforms such as Xilinx or similar devices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing real-time, deterministic avionics logic for safety- or mission-critical systems.

• Experience in designing FPGA architectures that bridge hardware and software in complex embedded systems.

• Hands-on experience supporting FPGA designs from early concept through integration, test, and deployment in challenging environments such as space or aerospace.

• Familiarity with Microsemi and other SoC devices in addition to Xilinx platforms.

• Experience creating and maintaining detailed documentation for FPGA operation, configuration, and interfaces.

• Interest in and motivation to contribute to a rover mission targeted for operation on the moon.

Work Environment

The role operates in a startup-style environment that is fast paced and highly collaborative, with minimal hand holding and an expectation of strong ownership and initiative. You will work closely with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, and systems engineering, using modern FPGA toolchains and verification environments on platforms such as Xilinx and Microsemi. The culture emphasizes hands-on problem solving, rapid iteration, and accountability for delivering flight-ready hardware logic for a lunar rover mission.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $243000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

What We Offer: Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration Equity ownership in the company Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support 401(k) plan with company match Flexible PTO and parental leave Home office set up reimbursement Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.