FPGA Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

FPGA Engineer – Space Technology

At AV, we push the limits of what’s possible in aerospace and defense. Our Space Tech Division is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team developing high-performance electromechanical, electro-optical, control, and communication systems. From advanced digital signal processing algorithms to integrated SoC/FPGA architectures, we build the brains behind next-generation space technology.

We are looking for an adaptable, curious, and skilled FPGA Engineer to join us. If you enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same, and you are eager to grow your skills alongside industry experts, we want to hear from you.

Your Day-to-Day (Key Responsibilities)

As part of our collaborative engineering team, you will dive into a diverse mix of firmware design, system integration, and cutting-edge hardware development. On any given day, you will:

• Design & Develop: Author and maintain general-purpose and mission-specific RTL/firmware for space electronics, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems.
• Build Critical Interfaces: Develop firmware for vital peripheral interfaces, including Converters (ADC/DAC) and high-speed communication links (SpaceWire, SPI, CameraLink, 1Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B).
• Automate & Deploy: Create and optimize automated FPGA platform build scripts, and get hands-on by deploying firmware directly to physical hardware.
• Optimize for Space: Fine-tune embedded software to ensure fault tolerance and high reliability in radiation-hardened environments.
• Test & Validate: Conduct hardware-in-the-loop system integration, testing, and validation under both simulated and real-world aerospace conditions.
• Ensure Excellence: Support the team in maintaining alignment with rigorous space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD).

What You Bring (Qualifications)

We are seeking a foundational engineer who loves solving hardware puzzles and is ready to take their experience to the next level.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Core Experience: 2–3 years of professional experience (non-academic) designing with Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog).
• Hands-on Skills: Proven experience deploying firmware to physical devices, as well as conducting system integration, testing, and validation.
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications (The "Nice-to-Haves"):

• If you have familiarity with or exposure to any of the following, we’d love to talk about it!
• Hardware & Tools: Experience with Xilinx devices/toolchains (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex via Vivado/ISE) or Microchip devices/toolchains (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4 via Libero).
• Design Techniques: Familiarity with multiple clock-domain design, physical constraints, floor planning, and in-system debuggers/logic analyzers.
• Software & Scripting: Knowledge of C/C++, Python, Java, or Tool Command Language (TCL).
• Verification & Architecture: Exposure to linting, constrained random testing, RTOS, bare-metal development, or hardware-software co-design.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: .

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR