Fpga Design Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense organization focused on developing cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF systems. This role involves contributing to advanced mission-critical hardware solutions and working across the full design lifecycle in a fast-paced, high-technology environment. The position is based in Illinois and requires an active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement FPGA-based digital logic for advanced defense systems.
• Create and optimize VHDL code for high-performance, real-time applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware.
• Participate in integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA designs in lab environments.
• Document design specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with defense-industry standards, security requirements, and program objectives.

Skills

• Full lifecycle FPGA design and development experience.
• Expertise in VHDL.
• Proficiency with Xilinx, Intel, or Altera FPGA toolchains.
• Strong digital logic fundamentals and hardware debugging skills.
• Ability to work in a classified environment with an active Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in Aerospace & Defense, SATCOM, Infrared systems, or RF-based technologies.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, DSP blocks, or embedded processing.
• Understanding of system-level integration in EW or RF systems.

Work Environment

The position involves working in a classified environment that requires an active Secret clearance. The role focuses on developing high-technology solutions within the defense industry, offering an opportunity to work on mission-critical projects in a collaborative and innovative setting.

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL, and is a Contract to Hire role.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/hr.

Benefits

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 insurance
• 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)