Lead Design Engineer Embedded/FPGA Systems

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer for Embedded/FPGA Systems to lead the architecture, development, integration, and verification of advanced embedded electronic systems for military, aerospace, industrial, medical, and high-reliability applications.

This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded hardware, FPGA development, firmware architecture, and digital system integration with strong technical leadership and customer-facing communication skills. The ideal candidate will guide projects from concept through production, mentor junior engineers, and support continuous engineering growth.

This position directly supports the growth and technical development of less experienced engineers and plays a key role in delivering innovative, manufacturable, and reliable embedded solutions.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of embedded electronic systems and FPGA-based hardware platforms.
Define system architecture for:
Embedded processors and microcontrollers
FPGA and SoC platforms
High-speed digital interfaces
Real-time control systems
Sensor and communication interfaces
Develop FPGA designs using VHDL and/or Verilog.
Design embedded firmware and low-level software for real-time systems.
Support board-level digital hardware design, including:
DDR memory interfaces
PCIe
Ethernet
SPI/I2C/UART
ADC/DAC interfaces
Perform system integration, timing analysis, debugging, and hardware validation.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, design descriptions, test procedures, and verification reports.
Collaborate with analog, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams.
Support prototype bring-up, troubleshooting, and production transition activities.
Drive DFM, DFA, reliability, and maintainability improvements.
Interface directly with customers during technical reviews, requirements discussions, and design trade studies.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple development programs.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience in embedded systems and FPGA development.
Strong experience with:
FPGA design and verification
Embedded firmware development
Digital hardware design
Real-time systems
Proficiency with:
VHDL and/or Verilog
Embedded C/C++
FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Libero
Experience with ARM-based processors, SoCs, or microcontroller platforms.
Familiarity with high-speed digital design and signal integrity considerations.
Experience with lab debug tools, including:
Oscilloscopes
Logic analyzers
Protocol analyzers
JTAG debuggers
Strong understanding of PCB design constraints and hardware/software integration.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with aerospace, defense, industrial, or medical electronics.
Familiarity with:
RTOS environments
Embedded Linux
DSP implementations
High-speed serial interfaces
Experience with FPGA-based signal processing or communications systems.
Knowledge of cybersecurity and secure embedded architectures.
Experience with MIL-STD or DO-254 development environments.
Prior technical leadership or project leadership experience.
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