Fpga Design Engineer

Job Title: FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description

You will translate system requirements into robust embedded digital architectures, lead design and verification of FPGA-based subsystems, and support products from concept through production and field deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead full life-cycle digital product development, from system concept and requirements definition through design, implementation, verification, production, and field support.

• Translate system performance and operational requirements into detailed embedded system requirements, design specifications, and test plans.

• Architect and design digital hardware circuits and FPGA-based subsystems, including schematic capture, simulation, and support through test and integration.

• Develop, code, and maintain HDL designs (VHDL and/or Verilog) for complex FPGA-based systems, ensuring reliability and performance.

• Implement real-time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms within FPGAs, focusing on correct functionality and efficient resource utilization.

• Apply high-speed digital design techniques such as pipelining, asynchronous clock domain management, synchronization, finite state machines, multi-cycle paths, and FIFO-based data handling.

• Drive synthesis, static timing closure, and physical implementation, including image generation, using state-of-the-art FPGA toolchains.

• Create and maintain robust testbenches and verification environments to thoroughly validate FPGA designs and digital subsystems.

• Use tools such as Xilinx Vivado, Synopsys Synplify Pro, and Mentor Graphics QuestaSim (QuestSim) for design, synthesis, simulation, and verification activities.

• Read, interpret, and create Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to define and manage interfaces between subsystems and external components.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams and a fellow team lead to ensure digital designs integrate seamlessly with broader system architectures.

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to other engineers, guiding design decisions, best practices, and problem-solving approaches.

• Ensure proper documentation and apply revision control practices to maintain accurate, traceable design records throughout the project life cycle.

• Support programs for aerospace, defense, electronic warfare, and related applications, working with stakeholders including the U.S. Air Force.

• Contribute to technical reviews, design discussions, and troubleshooting efforts, and independently drive tasks and projects with minimal guidance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.

• Minimum 9 years of digital electronics design experience with a bachelor’s degree, or minimum 7 years of digital electronics design experience with a master’s degree in a technical field.

• Extensive hands-on experience in digital hardware circuit design, including simulation, schematic capture, and support through test and integration.

• Strong proficiency in HDL development, specifically VHDL and/or Verilog.

• Deep understanding of synthesis, static timing closure, physical implementation (build), and FPGA image generation.

• Demonstrated ability to generate strong testbenches and perform thorough verification of FPGA and digital designs.

• Hands-on experience using Xilinx Vivado, Synopsys Synplify Pro, and Mentor Graphics QuestaSim (QuestSim).

• Proven ability to implement real-time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms within FPGAs.

• Experience with high-speed digital design techniques, including pipelining, asynchronous clock domains, synchronization, finite state machines, multi-cycle timing strategies, and FIFO-based data handling.

• Ability to read and create Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and accurately define system and subsystem interfaces.

• Familiarity with documentation standards and use of revision control tools and processes.

• Proven team leadership and mentoring capabilities, with experience guiding engineering efforts and supporting colleagues.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels inside and outside the organization.

• Demonstrated adaptability, creativity, and collaborative working style, with comfort operating independently and solving complex technical problems.

• Eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a government security clearance, with U.S. citizenship required for clearance processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

• Minimum 12 years of digital electronics design experience for candidates with an advanced degree.

• Experience with algorithm modeling in MATLAB, including generation of bit-exact test vectors for verification.

• Hands-on experience using MATLAB in support of DSP algorithm implementation and verification.

• Strong VHDL experience, with the ability to develop and maintain complex FPGA designs.

• Experience implementing DSP algorithms in FPGAs; the ability to realize provided algorithms in hardware without necessarily creating them from scratch.

• Experience working in the Aerospace and/or Defense industries.

• Experience with FPGA technologies from major vendors, including Xilinx and Intel (Altera), across various device families.

• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, RF DSP, control logic, data links, embedded processing, and processor interfaces within digital subsystems.

• Current or previous possession of a Secret security clearance is beneficial.

• Comfort participating in technical panel interviews and discussing design approaches, tools, and problem-solving strategies.

• Experience working in or with cleared facilities and projects subject to government security requirements.

Work Environment

This role supports advanced aerospace, defense, SATCOM, infrared, and electronic warfare programs in a cleared facility environment. The position is based in Illinois. Onsite work is preferred.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $125.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 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.