FPGA Firmware Engineer

About the role

ISA is seeking a highly skilled and motivated FPGA Firmware Developer to join our growing team. This position involves designing, developing, and testing high-performance signal processing applications using Xilinx RFSoC, MPSoC, and Versal devices. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in FPGA development, a deep understanding of signal processing algorithms and implementations, and experience working with modern Xilinx FPGAs in complex systems.

Responsibilities

• FPGA Design & Development:
• Design, implement, and optimize signal processing applications on Xilinx RFSoC, MPSoC, and Versal platforms.
• Develop high-performance FPGA firmware using VHDL/Verilog, leveraging Xilinx development tools such as Vivado, Xilinx SDK, and Vitis.
• Implement digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and interfaces for high-speed data processing, including but not limited to filtering, modulation, demodulation, and error correction.
• System Integration:
• Integrate FPGA designs with embedded systems and software applications.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure efficient data flow between FPGA and host processors.
• Develop and test interfaces to external peripherals, including ADCs, DACs, and RF components.
• Testing & Debugging:
• Create comprehensive testbenches to validate FPGA designs.
• Perform functional verification and debug issues related to signal processing operations and hardware-software integration.
• Use debugging tools such as Vivado Logic Analyzer and other software tools to diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues.
• Performance Optimization:
• Optimize firmware for performance, including resource utilization (LUTs, BRAM, DSP slices), clock rates, and power consumption.
• Conduct timing analysis and work to meet stringent timing and throughput requirements for signal processing applications.
• Collaboration & Documentation:
• Work closely with software engineers, hardware designers, and system architects to ensure seamless integration of FPGA-based solutions into larger systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in FPGA firmware development.
• Proven experience in FPGA firmware development with Xilinx RFSoC and/or MPSoC devices.
• Experience with signal processing algorithms and their implementation on FPGA platforms.
• Experience with system integration and debugging tools (e.g., Vivado, serial protocol analyzers, Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Technical Skills:
• Strong proficiency in VHDL or Verilog for FPGA design.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and SDK tools.
• Knowledge of digital communication systems and DSP algorithms (e.g., FIR/IIR filters, FFTs, modulation techniques).
• Familiarity with high-speed serial interfaces such as JESD204B, PCIe, or similar.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Team player with excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical teams, leadership and customers.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Other:
• Position requires TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Employment at ISA requires US citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Python and/or C/C++ for embedded software development.
• Familiarity with Matlab for design and analysis
• Experience with RFSoC and Versal devices
• Experience with high-speed data converters (ADC/DAC) integration.
• Experience with multi-core processor systems and embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Prior experience with real-time FPGA-based signal processing applications.
• Knowledge of RF signal processing and related hardware interfaces.
• Experience in the defense, telecommunications, or aerospace sectors.

Pay and benefits

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.