FPGA Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

FPGA Engineer – Space Technology

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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).
• 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.
• Support the team in maintaining alignment with rigorous space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD).

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.

Nice-to-Haves

• Familiarity with or exposure to Xilinx devices/toolchains (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex via Vivado/ISE) or Microchip devices/toolchains (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4 via Libero).
• Familiarity with multiple clock-domain design, physical constraints, floor planning, and in-system debuggers/logic analyzers.
• Knowledge of C/C++, Python, Java, or Tool Command Language (TCL).
• Exposure to linting, constrained random testing, RTOS, bare-metal development, or hardware-software co-design.

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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Company Information

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.

EEO Statement

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.