FPGA Design Engineer
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD Type: Hybrid (Up to 40 hours/week in-office as needed)
About Fairwinds Technologies
Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.
Position Overview
We are seeking an FPGA Design Engineer with strong experience developing programmable logic solutions using Xilinx Vivado, Verilog, and VHDL, targeting Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC, MPSoC, and Versal platforms. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing, implementing, and validating FPGA-based signal processing, RF data path, and high-speed data movement architectures. This includes implementing complex DSP algorithms provided by DSP engineers, integrating with high-speed data converters (e.g., Analog Devices ADRV series, Texas Instruments AFE/ADC), and designing multi-sample per clock architectures for wideband RF applications. The candidate should have worked closely with DSP and embedded software engineers to deliver complete system solutions.
This role focuses on programmable logic (PL) development, including RTL design, simulation, synthesis, timing closure, and hardware validation on PCB-based platforms. The engineer will collaborate across hardware, DSP, RF, and embedded Linux/software domains to support mission-critical communications and signal processing systems.
This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic using Verilog and VHDL within the Xilinx Vivado toolchain for Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC, MPSoC and Versal devices.
- Develop programmable logic architectures for signal processing, control, and high-speed data movement applications.
- Implement complex DSP algorithms provided by DSP engineers into efficient FPGA fabric designs (filters, FFTs, channelizers, modulators, demodulators, decimation/interpolation, fixed-point optimization).
- Work with embedded software engineers to define and implement PL–PS interfaces, including AXI-Lite, AXI-Stream, DMA, interrupts, and register maps.
- Integrate FPGA designs with embedded processors and heterogeneous compute architectures (e.g., Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, RFSoC, Versal ACAP).
- Perform functional simulation, static timing analysis, and resource optimization to meet performance, latency, and power constraints.
- Support FPGA bring-up and debugging on custom PCB hardware using lab tools such as JTAG, Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA), logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Participate in system integration and debug efforts spanning FPGA logic, embedded software, DSP algorithms, and hardware.
- Develop test benches, validation strategies, and design documentation, including FPGA design descriptions, interface control documents (ICDs), and SBIR deliverables as required.
- Support prototype-to-production transitions, including ECOs, version control, and configuration management.
- Design and integrate interfaces with high-speed data converters from Analog Devices (e.g., ADRV9009, AD9081) and Texas Instruments, including JESD204B/C and LVDS interfaces.
- Develop multi-sample per clock (parallel sample) architectures to meet throughput requirements for wideband RF signal processing applications.
- Apply fundamental RF signal processing knowledge to support digital front-end design including NCOs, mixers, digital up/down conversion, and gain control.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in FPGA design and development.
- Strong proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL.
- Deep experience with RTL simulation tools such as Siemens Questa and Vivado Simulator
- Hands-on experience using Xilinx Vivado for synthesis, implementation, timing closure, and debug.
- Hands-on experience with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC a must; experience with Versal devices and other devices within the UltraScale+ family strongly preferred.
- Experience developing FPGA designs for PCB-based embedded systems.
- Experience implementing complex DSP designs provided by DSP engineers, translating algorithm specifications into efficient RTL implementations.
- Strong understanding of AXI protocols, clock domain crossing (CDC), resets, and timing constraints.
- Experience with FPGA debug tools such as ILA, VIO, and JTAG-based debugging.
- U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance (or ability to obtain).
- Experience integrating FPGA designs with high-speed data converters from Analog Devices (e.g., ADRV9009, AD9081) or Texas Instruments AFE/ADC products.
- Experience designing multi-sample per clock (parallel sample) architectures for high-throughput signal processing.
- Fundamental understanding of RF signal processing concepts including sampling theory, digital mixing, filtering, and frequency conversion.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Versal ACAP architecture, including heterogeneous compute resources (PL, AI Engines, hardened blocks).
- Experience implementing or integrating high-speed interfaces (JESD204B/C, Ethernet, PCIe, Aurora, or similar) in RF data converter applications.
- Strong understanding of DSP concepts and fixed-/floating-point implementation tradeoffs in FPGA designs.
- Familiarity with FPGA power optimization and performance tuning techniques.
- Scripting experience (Tcl and/or Python) for build automation, constraints generation, and CI workflows.
- Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.
- Experience with Xilinx RFSoC integrated RF data converters and RF Data Converter IP.
- Familiarity with Analog Devices reference designs and evaluation platforms (e.g., ADRV9009-ZU11EG).
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not require direct supervisory responsibility; however, the engineer may mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional technical leadership.
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.
Travel
Must be willing to travel 25–30% when required.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Why Join Us
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, including DoD SBIR initiatives. Collaborative and inclusive work environment. Competitive salary and benefits package. Professional development and growth opportunities.
