Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager

DEG Careers – Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-time Reports To: CEO / Executive Leadership Role Summary The Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager is the senior technical and execution authority for DEG’s FPGA-based hardware platforms. This role combines hands‑on hardware architecture and board‑level design with direct management of the hardware and FPGA engineering function. This position owns: Hardware system architecture Hardware ↔ FPGA integration Engineering execution, priorities, and delivery This is not a pure people‑management role and not a layout‑only role. It is a hands‑on technical leadership position with real accountability. Core Responsibilities System & Hardware Architecture Define system‑level hardware architecture for PCIe, FMC/FMC+, and VPX platforms Architect high‑speed data acquisition and playback systems Select and qualify key technologies (FPGAs, ADCs/DACs, clocking subsystems) Define PCIe Gen4/Gen5 hardware architecture and throughput strategy Establish hardware design standards reused across product families Own technical tradeoffs involving performance, risk, cost, and schedule Board‑Level Hardware Design Own complete board designs from concept through production release Drive schematic capture for FPGA subsystems, high‑speed serial interfaces, memory, power and clocking Define PCB stackups, routing constraints, and SI/PI requirements Work directly with PCB designers to ensure correct implementation Lead board bring‑up, debug, and validation Resolve cross‑discipline hardware issues (hardware ↔ FPGA ↔ test) Define FPGA‑facing hardware architecture (JESD204 topology, clock domains, reset strategy, PCIe interfaces) Review FPGA designs for hardware compatibility and system correctness Collaborate with FPGA engineers on interface definition and partitioning Ensure hardware supports FPGA timing, clocking, and throughput needs This role requires architectural understanding of FPGA systems, not day‑to‑day RTL development. Directly manage hardware and FPGA engineers (employees and contractors) Own engineering priorities, schedules, and resource allocation Balance new development, sustaining engineering, and customer‑driven work Lead design reviews, release decisions, and technical risk assessments Set expectations for design quality, documentation, and release discipline Coordinate engineering work across hardware, FPGA, software, and test Act as the escalation point for technical and execution issues Technical Leadership & External Interface Serve as the final technical authority for hardware decisions Mentor engineers and enforce engineering standards Interface with customers on deep technical topics when required Support proposal development and technical responses Preserve technical continuity across product generations Required Qualifications 15+ years experience in complex digital and mixed‑signal hardware design Proven ownership of complete board designs Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams or technical groups Deep expertise in PCIe, SERDES, JESD204B/C systems, clocking and power architecture Working knowledge of FPGA architecture sufficient to guide integration Strong bring‑up and debug experience Comfortable making final technical and execution decisions U.S. Person (citizenship or permanent residency) Preferred Experience AMD/Xilinx UltraScale+ or Versal platforms Wideband ADC/DAC or Direct RF systems Defense or aerospace programs Small‑team, high‑ownership environments Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package: Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Retirement plan with employer matching. Paid time off Exciting projects with the potential to make a significant impact in the field of electronic design. A collaborative and inclusive team culture that values creativity, initiative, and technical excellence. Delphi Engineering Group is a military and aerospace manufacturer requiring strict adherence to ITAR requirements. As a condition of employment applicants must provide proof of US Citizenship (no green cards or visas). #J-18808-Ljbffr