Lead FPGA Design Engineer

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.MITRE’s Electronic Systems Development Department is seeking exceptional FPGA engineers to help solve some of the nation’s most challenging technical problems. Our engineers work at the forefront of microelectronics innovation, developing advanced prototypes and proof-of-concept systems that directly support national security and critical government missions.As part of a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to groundbreaking research and development efforts spanning advanced semiconductor technologies, embedded systems, communications, sensing, and signal processing. Our diverse sponsor portfolio provides exposure to a broad range of impactful technical challenges, including:Development of next-generation prototypes leveraging advanced semiconductor process nodesHighly integrated, low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) platforms for mission-critical applicationsReal-time communication, sensing, and navigation systems utilizing cutting-edge FPGA and Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologiesAdvanced architectures for high-throughput signal processing and embedded computingCollaboration with world-class engineers and researchers on projects of national importanceRoles & Responsibilities:Our team specializes in the rapid design, development, and deployment of advanced embedded systems for sensing, communications, and navigation applications. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:Architect and develop FPGA and SoC solutions using state-of-the-art devicesLead the design, integration, bring-up, and testing of custom hardware prototypesDrive development efforts throughout the design lifecycle, from requirements to concept demonstrationImplement and optimize advanced algorithms in hardware and software on embedded platformsLead project teams and mentor junior engineersInterface with sponsors and build relationships for future programs and taskEvaluate and incorporate emerging technologies into next-generation prototype systemsBasic Qualifications:Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field or 6 years and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related fieldExperience with design background in one or more RTL languages, including VHDL, Verilog, and/or SystemVerilogExperience leading RTL design, simulation, synthesis, timing closure, and verification methodologiesExperience using EDA tool suites from industry leaders such as Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens, AMD (Xilinx), and Intel (Altera).Experience designing and deploying solutions using advanced FPGA and SoC devicesExperience developing and integrating complex embedded hardware systemsDeep understanding and application of best practices for design, verification, test, and deploymentExperience integrating third-party IP and using verification IPProficiency with scripting and automation tools such as Python, TCL, CMake, or similarExperience leading technical efforts and small engineering teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsExperience working with EDA vendors and third-party IP providersMust be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-sitePreferred Qualifications: Active Secret or Top Secret DoW clearanceExperience working directly with sponsors and managing project execution within national security programsExperience with advanced reconfigurable SoC platforms, including AMD Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Versal, and Intel Agilex SoC devicesExpertise spanning the complete digital design lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, verification, testing, documentation, and configuration managementStrong understanding of processor interfaces, memory-mapped architectures, and interrupt-driven systemsKnowledge of microelectronics, digital circuits, and transistor-level design conceptsDemonstrated leadership in verification methodologies, including UVM and OVMThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):NoneThis requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):Top SecretSalary compensation range and midpoint:$156,400 - $195,500 - $234,600 AnnualWork Location Type:OnsiteIt 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.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for general support and View email address on click.appcast.io for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.Benefits information may be found here.Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.Job SummaryJob number: R117336Profession: Engineering