Description
SAIC 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.�
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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.�
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� FPGA-Based Design of Tx/Rx Systems:�
- Develop 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 Integration:�
- Design 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 Debugging:�
- Perform 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 Compliance:�
- Support 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 Leadership:�
- Collaborate 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.�
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:�
- Bachelor'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 Experience:�
- Experience 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.�
