Fpga Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description

As an FPGA Digital Design Engineer, you will contribute to advanced mission-critical hardware solutions, working across the full design lifecycle in a fast-paced, high-technology environment. THIS POSITION DOES REQUIRE A CLEARANCE!

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement FPGA-based digital logic for advanced defense systems.
Create and optimize VHDL code for high-performance, real-time applications.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware engineers.
Participate in the integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA designs in lab environments.

Essential Skills

Proficiency in FPGA Design & Development across the full lifecycle.
Expertise in VHDL.
Experience with Xilinx, Intel, or Altera FPGA toolchains.
Strong digital logic fundamentals and hardware debugging skills.
Ability to work in a classified environment with an active Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience in Aerospace & Defense, SATCOM, Infrared systems, or RF-based technologies.
Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, DSP blocks, or embedded processing.
Understanding of system-level integration in EW or RF systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
1–6 years of FPGA design experience, with up to 8 years considered.

Work Environment

This role is based in the state of Illinois and requires an active Secret clearance (no interim). The work environment is focused on developing advanced technologies for the aerospace and defense industries, with opportunities to work in lab environments on critical defense projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palatine, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Palatine,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
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