Lead Design Engineer for FPGA/Embedded Systems

Lead Design Engineer for FPGA/Embedded Systems
Naperville, IL (onsite)
Perm Role
- Due to ITAR and/or CUI compliance, this position requires candidates to be US Citizens

Client is seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer for FPGA/Embedded Systems to lead the architecture, development, integration, and verification of advanced embedded electronic systems for military, aerospace, industrial, medical, and high-reliability applications.
This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded hardware, FPGA development, firmware architecture, and digital system integration with strong technical leadership and customer-facing communication skills. The ideal candidate will guide projects from concept through production, mentor junior engineers, and support continuous engineering growth.
This position directly supports the growth and technical development of less experienced engineers and plays a key role in delivering innovative, manufacturable, and reliable embedded solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of embedded electronic systems and FPGA-based hardware platforms.
• Define system architecture for:
  • Embedded processors and microcontrollers
  • FPGA and SoC platforms
  • High-speed digital interfaces
  • Real-time control systems
  • Sensor and communication interfaces
• Develop FPGA designs using VHDL and/or Verilog.
• Design embedded firmware and low-level software for real-time systems.
• Support board-level digital hardware design including:
  • DDR memory interfaces
  • PCIe
  • Ethernet
  • SPI/I2C/UART
  • ADC/DAC interfaces
• Perform system integration, timing analysis, debugging, and hardware validation.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including requirements, design descriptions, test procedures, and verification reports.
• Collaborate with analog, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams.
• Support prototype bring-up, troubleshooting, and production transition activities.
• Drive DFM, DFA, reliability, and maintainability improvements.
• Interface directly with customers during technical reviews, requirements discussions, and design trade studies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple development programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in embedded systems and FPGA development.
• Strong experience with:
  • FPGA design and verification
  • Embedded firmware development
  • Digital hardware design
  • Real-time systems
• Proficiency with:
  • VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Embedded C/C++
  • FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Libero
• Experience with ARM-based processors, SoCs, or microcontroller platforms.
• Familiarity with high-speed digital design and signal integrity considerations.
• Experience with lab debug tools including:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Logic analyzers
  • Protocol analyzers
  • JTAG debuggers
• Strong understanding of PCB design constraints and hardware/software integration.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace, defense, industrial, or medical electronics.
• Familiarity with:
  • RTOS environments
  • Embedded Linux
  • DSP implementations
  • High-speed serial interfaces
• Experience with FPGA-based signal processing or communications systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and secure embedded architectures.
• Experience with MIL-STD or DO-254 development environments.
• Prior technical leadership or project leadership experience.

Metasys Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, veteran or disability status.