Firmware Engineer

Job ID 2610675Location Crane, IN, USDate Posted 2026-03-31Category Engineering and SciencesSubcategory Electrical EngrSchedule Full-TimeShift Day JobTravel Yes - 10% of the timeMinimum Clearance Required Interim_SecretClearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain SecretPotential for Remote Work ORA_HYBRIDDescriptionSAIC is seeking an FPGA Firmware Engineer – RF Systems Development to design and implement cutting-edge firmware for advanced receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx) systems operating in the microwave frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum. This role supports the development of sea-based and aerospace platforms, leveraging field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to enable high-performance signal processing, system interfaces, and hardware integration.The selected individual will play an integral role in implementing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms, designing high-speed system interfaces, and optimizing embedded architectures for RF systems. This position also involves lab-based hardware integration, testing, and debugging of FPGA-based systems, with a focus on ensuring compliance with stringent operational and environmental requirements, including MIL-STD standards.This position supports onsite or collaborative work at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division and provides the opportunity to advance critical aerospace and sea-based RF systems at the forefront of defense technology.FPGA-Based Design of Tx/Rx SystemsDevelop and implement FPGA firmware to enable Rx/Tx system operations across the microwave spectrum (1 GHz to 100+ GHz). Utilize VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA design, including coding, simulation, synthesis, and static timing analysis. Apply DSP algorithms for RF applications, including digital filtering, modulation/demodulation, FFTs, and error correction. Collaborate with RF engineers to ensure FPGA designs are optimized for signal fidelity, low latency, and efficient bandwidth utilization. High-Speed Interfaces and System IntegrationDesign and implement high-speed interfaces for protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, UART, I²C, SPI, and DDR memory. Integrate FPGA solutions with RF front-end systems, ensuring seamless interaction between digital and analog components. Enable real-time system monitoring and control via FPGA-based architectures, ensuring high reliability in mission-critical scenarios. Hardware Bring-Up and DebuggingPerform lab-based system integration of FPGA firmware, employing hardware bring-up methods to validate Tx/Rx functionality. Use equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to debug firmware-hardware interactions. Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues linked to hardware-software integration and high-speed data flows. Testing, Validation, and ComplianceSupport system testing and characterization under sea-based and aerospace operating conditions, emphasizing MIL-STD compliance. Develop automated test harnesses using scripting tools (e.g., TCL, Python, Bash) to validate FPGA performance and system interfaces. Assist in ensuring firmware designs meet environmental and operational specifications, including performance during atmospheric reentry. Collaboration and Technical LeadershipCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including RF engineers, hardware engineers, and system architects, to deliver integrated solutions. Lead trade studies evaluating design alternatives, balancing performance against factors such as size, weight, power, and cost. Mentor junior engineers on FPGA development best practices, DSP implementation, and industry-standard design methodologies. QualificationsRequired Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. Five (5) or more years of FPGA firmware engineering experience, with expertise in VHDL/Verilog, simulation tools (e.g., ModelSim/Questasim), synthesis, and static timing analysis. Interim secret clearance required to start with the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance. SAIC will sponsor the clearance process if necessary. Hands-on proficiency in FPGA-based DSP algorithm implementation, including digital filtering, FFTs, and modulation/demodulation techniques. Experience designing and implementing high-speed protocols and interfaces, such as PCIe, Ethernet, SPI, DDR, and I²C. Proven expertise in hardware debugging and integration, utilizing tools like oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and logic analyzers. Familiarity with scripting languages like TCL, Python, or Bash for automation and test development. Preferred ExperienceExperience working with aerospace and sea-based systems, with knowledge of MIL-STD compliance requirements. Prior development experience with RF and microwave systems, including integration with RF front-end components. Familiarity with tools for high-speed circuit design and electromagnetic simulation (e.g., HFSS, CST). Experience with FPGA families from vendors like Xilinx, Intel (Altera), and Microsemi, including their embedded IP cores. Certifications in FPGA design, digital systems, or RF engineering are a plus.