Senior FPGA / Digital Design Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

AV Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Senior FPGA / Digital Design Engineer to lead the architecture, design, simulation, and integration of high-reliability digital boards and FPGA systems. In this role, you will be responsible for developing mission-critical aerospace and defense systems, real-time control systems, and robust communication protocols.

The ideal candidate brings extensive expertise in managing the full development lifecycle—from conceptual board-level design to rigorous system integration and customer delivery—while maximizing project performance and engineering efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• FPGA & Digital Board Design: Architect and implement complex FPGA designs that include devices from multiple vendors (AMD/Xilinx, Microchip, Lattice).
• Protocol Integration: Design and embed high-speed data interfaces and command/telemetry protocols, including MIL-STD-1553 (RT/BC), Ethernet (100Mbps/1Gbps/), SpaceWire, AXI, RS-422, and PCI interfaces.
• High-Reliability Architecture: Develop fault-tolerant, triple-redundant voting logic systems for flight actuator controllers and space-flight systems.
• Simulation & Verification: Perform comprehensive board-level and system-level mixed simulations using VHDL and Verilog to ensure timing closure and functional accuracy.
• System Integration: Lead hardware-software co-design, system integration, and qualification testing to bridge the gap between embedded logic and physical hardware.
• Technical Leadership: Act as a Technical Lead on strategic programs, managing customer interfaces, ensuring compliance with strict aerospace standards, and driving milestones to achieve on-time delivery and incentive targets.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical or Computer Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in digital board design, FPGA development, and aerospace/defense systems engineering.
• Proven track record of delivering high-profile aerospace projects (e.g., high-performance control systems, satellite control computers, telemetry systems).
• Hardware Description Languages: Expert proficiency in VHDL and Verilog for mixed-language simulation and design.
• FPGA Technologies: Deep experience with Microchip/Actel (reprogrammable/antifuse/radiation-tolerant), AMD/Xilinx (e.g., Virtex series), and QuickLogic devices.
• Protocols & Interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet controllers, RS-422 serial links, and PCI interconnects.
• Embedded Processors: Experience embedding and configuring microprocessors (e.g., 6811 IP cores) within flight hardware FPGAs.
• Tools: Mastery of EDA and simulation tools (e.g., Aldec Riviera, ModelSim/Questasim, Vivado/Libero suites).
• Hardware Integration: Repeated experience with board bring-up, hardware troubleshooting, bench equipment (power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and interface validation.

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:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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