Design Reviews

Senior FPGA Hardware Engineer – Verilog & SystemVerilog | Cincinnati, OH

Senior FPGA Hardware Engineer – Electrical Engineering

📍 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
🏢 Work Arrangement: Onsite
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
🕒 Schedule: 4/10 – Four 10-Hour Days Per Week
🛡️ Security Clearance: Not Required
✈️ Travel: Occasional
🚚 Relocation Assistance: May Be Considered for an Exceptional Candidate
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
👥 People Management: Not Required

Develop the Next Generation of FPGA-Based Defense Electronics

A leading aerospace and defense organization is seeking a talented Senior FPGA Hardware Engineer to support the architecture, design, development and verification of next-generation Electronic Safe and Arm Devices for advanced defense systems.

This is a hands-on engineering position focused primarily on Verilog FPGA design, SystemVerilog verification and embedded microcontroller development. The successful candidate will develop highly reliable digital hardware and firmware used within safety-critical fuzing solutions.

FPGA and ASIC designs may include sensor interfaces, sequence-verification logic, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog interfaces, communication protocols, state machines, timer chains and other safety-critical functions.

This opportunity is ideally suited to an engineer who enjoys solving complex hardware and firmware problems, working with laboratory equipment and developing innovative solutions in a dynamic product-development environment.

Key Responsibilities

FPGA Architecture and Design

  • Analyse system and product requirements and translate them into FPGA and digital-hardware architectures.

  • Define FPGA functionality, interfaces, state machines and verification requirements.

  • Develop synthesizable Verilog HDL for antifuse and enhanced-flash FPGA technologies.

  • Design FPGA logic supporting:

    • Sensor interfaces

    • Sequence verification

    • Analog-to-digital interfaces

    • Digital-to-analog interfaces

    • Serial communication protocols

    • State machines

    • Timer chains

    • Safety-critical control functions

  • Support architecture trade studies and component-selection decisions.

  • Ensure FPGA designs meet functional, performance, reliability and safety requirements.

  • Contribute throughout the complete design lifecycle, from early concept through product testing.

FPGA Verification

  • Develop and execute verification strategies for complex FPGA designs.

  • Create simulation environments, testbenches and verification plans.

  • Perform functional simulation and timing-related analysis.

  • Support SystemVerilog-based verification using methodologies such as:

    • Universal Verification Methodology

    • Open Verification Methodology

    • Verification Methodology Manual

    • Advanced Verification Methodology

  • Use simulation tools to identify functional defects before hardware integration.

  • Document test results, coverage, anomalies and corrective actions.

  • Participate in design and code reviews to strengthen FPGA quality.

Embedded Firmware Development

  • Develop embedded C software for microcontroller-based systems.

  • Implement algorithms, manipulate data structures and produce highly optimized code.

  • Develop firmware supporting communication, sequencing, monitoring and hardware-control functions.

  • Support C# development targeting enhanced-flash microcontrollers when required.

  • Integrate FPGA logic, microcontrollers and associated hardware.

  • Diagnose hardware-firmware interaction issues in laboratory and target-system environments.

  • Support firmware reviews, unit testing and configuration control.

Hardware Development and Integration

  • Support the design and debugging of FPGA-associated electrical hardware.

  • Review digital schematics and assess device interfaces.

  • Participate in hardware bring-up and prototype evaluation.

  • Verify interfaces between FPGAs, microcontrollers, sensors, converters and other electronic components.

  • Support the integration of digital hardware and firmware into Electronic Safe and Arm Devices.

  • Evaluate system performance under representative operating conditions.

  • Work closely with electrical, systems, test, mechanical and software engineers.

Laboratory Testing and Troubleshooting

  • Perform hands-on debugging using standard laboratory equipment, including:

    • Logic analysers

    • Oscilloscopes

    • JTAG and in-circuit emulation debuggers

    • Protocol analysers

    • Digital multimeters

    • Development and evaluation boards

  • Analyse functional failures and performance issues in test environments and target systems.

  • Isolate defects across FPGA logic, firmware and electrical hardware.

  • Develop corrective actions and verify the effectiveness of design changes.

  • Document troubleshooting methods, findings and final resolutions.

  • Support prototype, design-verification and product-level testing.

Requirements and Technical Documentation

  • Analyse, clarify and refine hardware and firmware requirements.

  • Maintain traceability between requirements, design elements and verification evidence.

  • Produce design descriptions, verification documentation and technical reports.

  • Document FPGA architectures, interfaces, state-machine behaviour and firmware functionality.

  • Support internal and customer design reviews.

  • Ensure engineering records are complete, accurate and configuration controlled.

Quality and Process Improvement

  • Apply disciplined hardware, firmware and software-development methodologies.

  • Participate in design reviews, code reviews, unit testing, prototyping and product testing.

  • Identify opportunities to improve development efficiency, product quality and time to market.

  • Contribute to FPGA coding standards, reusable design practices and verification processes.

  • Support defect prevention and lessons-learned activities.

  • Maintain source code and design files within approved version-control systems.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline with at least six years of relevant experience.

  • Graduate degree in a related technical discipline with at least four years of relevant experience.

  • At least 10 years of directly relevant professional experience in place of a degree.

Additional required experience includes:

  • Practical knowledge of Verilog for FPGA or digital logic design.

  • Experience with digital-design practices, logic architecture and hardware-description languages such as Verilog or VHDL.

  • Embedded C programming experience, including:

    • Algorithm development

    • Data-structure manipulation

    • Hardware-control programming

    • Development of highly optimized code

  • Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment such as logic analysers, oscilloscopes, JTAG/ICE debuggers and protocol analysers.

  • Familiarity with hardware, software and firmware development methodologies.

  • Experience participating in design verification, code reviews, unit testing, prototyping or product testing.

  • Experience using source-code and configuration-management tools such as Git, Subversion or Team Foundation Server.

  • Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities.

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.

  • Ability to respond to changing technical priorities and short-notice requests.

  • Current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

  • FPGA development experience with Microchip/Microsemi or Actel devices.

  • Experience targeting antifuse or enhanced-flash FPGA technologies.

  • Experience using QuestaSim or comparable HDL simulation tools.

  • SystemVerilog verification experience.

  • Experience applying UVM, OVM, VMM or AVM verification methodologies.

  • Experience developing reusable verification components and testbenches.

  • C# development experience targeting enhanced-flash microcontrollers.

  • Experience developing FPGA interfaces for:

    • Sensors

    • ADCs and DACs

    • Serial communications

    • State machines

    • Timing and sequencing functions

  • Familiarity with ASIC development or verification.

  • Experience developing safety-critical or high-reliability electronics.

  • Previous experience with Electronic Safe and Arm Devices, fuzing systems or defense electronics.

  • Experience integrating FPGA logic with microcontrollers and embedded firmware.

  • Strong organizational skills and an action-oriented approach.

The Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will be able to demonstrate:

  • Ownership of FPGA designs from requirements through implementation and verification.

  • Strong Verilog and digital-logic design capabilities.

  • Hands-on embedded C development experience.

  • Practical SystemVerilog verification knowledge.

  • Experience debugging interactions between FPGA logic, firmware and electrical hardware.

  • Confidence using laboratory tools to isolate complex technical problems.

  • Familiarity with Microsemi/Actel FPGA technology and QuestaSim.

  • Experience developing reliable electronics for safety-critical applications.

  • An ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines.

  • Strong documentation, organization and communication skills.

Work Environment and Benefits

The position operates within a highly dynamic aerospace and defense engineering environment where product quality, technical discipline and responsiveness are essential.

Employees work a 4/10 schedule, completing four 10-hour workdays each week. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical and disability insurance

  • Retirement plan with employer match

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Employee assistance program

  • Education assistance

  • Parental leave

  • Paid time off

  • Company-paid holidays

Relocation assistance may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on any status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

 

Lead Software Engineer – DevOps Architect | TS/SCI with Poly | Palm Bay, FL

Lead Software Engineer – DevOps Architect (TS/SCI with Poly)

📍 Location: Palm Bay, FL (100% Onsite)
🏢 Industry: Aerospace & Defense
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🗓️ Work Schedule: 9/80 Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)
🔒 Security Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
✈️ Interview Travel: Reimbursed
💰 Compensation: $140,000 – $180,000 Base Salary

Overview

A leading aerospace and defense organization is seeking a Lead Software Engineer – DevOps Architect to lead the design, modernization, and long-term evolution of a containerized microservices platform supporting mission-critical applications.

This is a highly technical architecture role focused on DevOps engineering, containerization, CI/CD, infrastructure automation, and platform modernization. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across architecture, implementation, and engineering best practices while partnering closely with software engineering, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and program stakeholders.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced DevOps Architect, Platform Architect, Software Architect, or Cloud Infrastructure Architect who enjoys designing scalable, secure, and resilient distributed systems.

Key Responsibilities

DevOps & Platform Architecture

  • Lead the architecture and design of Docker-based microservices platforms.

  • Develop scalable, secure, and resilient distributed system architectures.

  • Define platform roadmaps and long-term modernization strategies.

  • Establish architecture standards and engineering best practices.

Containerization & Orchestration

  • Design and implement containerized application environments.

  • Drive technical decisions around container orchestration platforms.

  • Improve platform scalability, availability, and operational resilience.

  • Guide platform standardization across engineering teams.

CI/CD & Infrastructure Automation

  • Design modern CI/CD pipelines and deployment strategies.

  • Drive Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation initiatives.

  • Improve build, release, deployment, and monitoring processes.

  • Promote DevOps best practices across the software lifecycle.

Software Architecture

  • Produce detailed architectural designs and interface specifications.

  • Define deployment models and technical design documentation.

  • Support API integration and service-to-service communication.

  • Evaluate architecture tradeoffs and recommend improvements.

Technical Leadership

  • Lead architecture and design reviews.

  • Mentor engineering teams and provide technical guidance.

  • Identify technical risks and mitigation strategies.

  • Collaborate with software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and program leadership.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree with 9+ years of relevant experience

OR

  • Master's Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience

OR

  • 13+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree

Security Clearance

✔ Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required)

Required Technical Expertise

DevOps & Platform Engineering

  • DevOps Architecture

  • Platform Engineering

  • Distributed Systems Architecture

  • Microservices Architecture

  • Docker

CI/CD & Automation

  • Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

  • Configuration Management

  • Automated Deployments

Container Technologies

  • Docker

  • Kubernetes

  • OpenShift (or similar orchestration platforms)

Software Architecture

  • API Design

  • Service-to-Service Communication

  • Distributed Systems

  • Platform Modernization

Security & Reliability

  • Secure Platform Engineering

  • Scalability & Performance Optimization

  • System Reliability & Observability

  • Infrastructure Resilience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

  • Kubernetes

  • OpenShift

  • Docker Enterprise

  • Infrastructure Automation

  • Platform Modernization

  • Enterprise DevOps

  • Cloud-Native Platforms

  • Large-Scale Distributed Systems

Strong experience producing:

  • Architecture documentation

  • Technical design artifacts

  • Interface specifications

  • Engineering decision records

Must-Have Skills

Architecture

  • Docker-Based Architecture

  • Microservices

  • Distributed Systems

  • Platform Engineering

DevOps

  • CI/CD Pipelines

  • Infrastructure as Code

  • Configuration Management

  • Deployment Automation

Leadership

  • Technical Leadership

  • Architecture Reviews

  • Engineering Mentorship

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Infrastructure

  • Kubernetes / OpenShift

  • API Integration

  • Secure Platform Engineering

  • Monitoring & Observability

Screening Questions

  1. Do you currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph?

  2. How many years of experience do you have in DevOps engineering, software architecture, or platform architecture?

  3. Have you designed and implemented Docker-based microservices architectures?

  4. What experience do you have with container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes or OpenShift?

  5. Have you designed and implemented enterprise CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code solutions?

  6. Have you produced detailed architectural documentation, technical designs, and deployment models?

  7. Do you have experience designing secure distributed systems, APIs, and service-to-service communication patterns?

  8. Have you led architecture reviews, mentored engineering teams, and driven technical direction?

  9. What tools or technologies have you used for infrastructure automation and configuration management?

  10. Are you able to work onsite full-time in Palm Bay, Florida?

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

  • Hold an active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

  • Be an experienced DevOps or Platform Architect with deep expertise in distributed systems.

  • Have extensive experience designing Docker-based microservices platforms.

  • Possess strong Kubernetes or OpenShift experience.

  • Be comfortable defining enterprise architecture standards and long-term technology roadmaps.

  • Thrive in highly collaborative engineering environments.

  • Demonstrate strong mentoring, communication, and technical leadership skills.

  • Balance hands-on engineering with strategic architectural decision-making.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Clearance

Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Experience

10–15+ Years

Architecture

DevOps, Platform & Microservices

Containerization

Docker

Orchestration

Kubernetes / OpenShift

DevOps

CI/CD, IaC, Configuration Management

Software

API Design, Distributed Systems

Location

Palm Bay, FL

Work Arrangement

100% Onsite

Schedule

9/80 (Every Other Friday Off)

Compensation

$140K – $180K

Relocation

Available

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

  • Deep expertise in DevOps architecture and distributed systems.

  • Strong experience designing Docker-based microservices platforms.

  • Ability to architect scalable, resilient, and secure enterprise solutions.

  • Proven success implementing CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, and automation strategies.

  • Strong technical leadership with experience mentoring engineering teams.

  • Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Ability to drive platform modernization while ensuring operational reliability and long-term maintainability.

 

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