Lead Firmware Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Develop firmware using Xilinx and Microchip FPGAs and associated toolchains (ISE, Vivado, Libero)
• Utilize simulation tools such as Active-HDL and QuestaSim for design verification
• Design and implement RTL using VHDL and/or Verilog
• Apply DO-254 airborne electronic hardware development lifecycle processes
• Perform requirements-based verification of firmware designs
• Generate design documentation including HRDs, HDDs, HCIAs, and certification artifacts such as PHACs
• Participate in proposal activities including task estimation, risk identification, and development planning
• Communicate effectively across technical and cross-functional teams
• Interface directly with customers, in person or virtually, to understand requirements and develop solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree with a minimum of 7 years of related experience
• Minimum 6 years of experience applying systems engineering principles, including requirements definition, verification, design reviews, integration, and test
• Minimum 7 years of experience in FPGA and firmware design
• Hands-on experience designing and developing avionics, RF, or sensor-based systems

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with aerospace systems, particularly integrated hardware/software product development
• Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Awareness of electrical design considerations impacting firmware and FPGA development
• Experience with RTOS integration and understanding of hardware implications
• Practical understanding of RF design, particularly in the L-band frequency range and FPGA applications
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience leading and collaborating in multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Knowledge of aerospace standards such as DO-160 and DO-178
• Experience with design-to-cost and design-for-manufacturability principles
• Experience supporting production and test in geographically distributed environments
• Prowess in managing multiple programs and priorities simultaneously
• Proven ability to operate independently and determine appropriate technical paths forward with minimal oversight
• Pilot license or Part 107 certification (a plus)