Senior FPGA Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:  

The Senior FPGA Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, verification, and lifecycle support of FPGA-based solutions across Brandywine’s electronic product portfolio. This position focuses on FPGA architecture and digital logic design for high-reliability aerospace and defense applications, while also supporting board-level integration, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), product obsolescence, and transition from prototype through production. The role works closely with electrical, firmware/software, test, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to deliver robust, maintainable designs that meet performance, quality, and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain FPGA-based digital logic solutions for new and existing products.
• Develop FPGA architectures and RTL designs using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog based on system and product requirements.
• Perform simulation, functional verification, debugging, synthesis, implementation, timing analysis, and design optimization throughout the FPGA development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute FPGA verification strategies, test benches, and hardware validation activities to confirm design performance and requirements compliance.
• Integrate FPGA designs with processors, memory, clocks, high-speed interfaces, and other board-level hardware; troubleshoot issues across FPGA, electrical, and firmware/software boundaries.
• Support FPGA device selection, component lifecycle management, and product obsolescence efforts, including migration or redesign of legacy FPGA implementations when required.
• Partner with electrical engineers on schematic, PCB layout, signal integrity, clocking, power, and interface considerations that affect FPGA performance and reliability.
• Maintain FPGA design documentation, source files, constraints, revision history, and release packages in accordance with engineering configuration-control practices.
• Perform design reviews and provide technical guidance on FPGA architecture, coding practices, verification, and implementation approaches.
• Support prototype bring-up, lab testing, root-cause analysis, production troubleshooting, and resolution of FPGA-related technical issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, test, supply chain, and external suppliers or EMS partners to support DFM, production readiness, cost reduction, and long-term product sustainability.

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional engineering experience, including significant hands-on FPGA design and development experience within aerospace, defense, communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience with FPGA architecture, RTL design, simulation, synthesis, implementation, timing closure, and hardware verification.
• Proficiency in VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog and experience developing maintainable, reusable FPGA code.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA development tools such as AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or comparable toolsets.
• Experience integrating and debugging FPGA designs at the board and system level using laboratory test equipment and hardware debug tools.
• Strong understanding of digital design principles, clock-domain crossing, timing constraints, interfaces, and FPGA design best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with AMD/Xilinx or Intel FPGA families and embedded FPGA/SoC platforms.
• Experience with high-speed digital interfaces, serial communications, DSP, timing/synchronization, or related communications-system applications.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense development environments, including AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and applicable MIL-STD requirements.
• Experience with PCB design/DFM, automated test, production support, component obsolescence, and transitioning FPGA-based products from development into manufacturing.

Physical Requirements:  

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and frequently perform tasks that require repetitive motion, such as typing on a keyboard or using design software.
• Regular use of a computer, telephone, and headset is required, including participation in virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to visually inspect PCB layouts, schematic diagrams, and fine electronic components.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally when handling prototypes or lab equipment.
• Follow established safety and quality protocols in a fast-paced production/manufacturing environment, including the use of ESD protection when handling electronic components.
• This is primarily an office-based role located within a shared open-concept office inside a warehouse facility. The work environment may include elevated noise levels due to open workspaces and conversational noise. Employees should be comfortable working in a setting where sound carries and interruptions may occur.

Additional Information:  

The Key Responsibilities are an outline of the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The company may amend or modify duties based on business needs in accordance with applicable California labor laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Security Clearance Eligibility:

Some positions at Brandywine Communications may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. While not all roles require an active clearance at the time of hire, applicants must be eligible for clearance under federal guidelines, and employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a government background investigation.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Brandywine Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Brandywine Communications strives to create a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Hum