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AV · 1 day ago

Senior Firmware/FPGA Engineer - Space Technologies

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$125K/yr - $183K/yr

6+ years exp

AeroVironment (AV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems. The role involves developing high-performance digital systems for space electronics, focusing on firmware development and validation for various architectures.

AerospaceAir TransportationDronesElectric VehicleElectronicsEnergyGovernmentManufacturing

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Architect and implement mission-specific and general-purpose firmware for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems

Develop and maintain firmware for standard and specialized peripheral interfaces, including:

Analog-to-Digital (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog (DAC) Converters

Serial communication links (e.g., SpaceWire, SPI, CameraLink, 1Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B)

Optimize embedded software for radiation-hardened and high-reliability space environments

Develop and maintain automated build scripts (TCL) for the FPGA firmware platform

Conduct rigorous system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real-world aerospace conditions

Deploy and verify firmware functionality on physical hardware devices

Collaborate closely with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless system functionality

Ensure technical compliance with relevant space industry standards (e.g., NASA, ESA, MIL-STD)

Qualification

FPGA developmentEmbedded systemsHardware Description LanguagesDigital design techniquesTool Command LanguageVerification & DebugPhysical DesignRTOS knowledgeC/C++ familiarityPython familiarityJava familiarity

Required

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

FPGA Platforms: Six years of experience using and implementing designs on: Xilinx devices (Zynq, Virtex, Kintex) and toolchains (Vivado, ISE). Microchip devices (RTAX, ProASIC, RTG4) and toolchains (Libero)

Experience Level: Six years of experience in embedded systems firmware development, preferably for aerospace or space applications

Languages: Six years of experience designing with Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog)

Hardware Implementation: Proven experience successfully taking VHDL or Verilog designs from concept to physical hardware implementation

Digital Design: Expertise in digital design techniques, including multiple clock-domain management

Verification & Debug: Proficient with in-system debuggers and logic analyzers

Tooling: Experience with Tool Command Language (TCL) for script automation

Physical Design: Experience designing and managing FPGA physical constraints

Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance

Clearance Level: Top Secret with Poly

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”)

Preferred

Embedded Computing: Knowledge of RTOS, bare-metal firmware, and hardware-software co-design principles

Verification: Familiarity with modern verification techniques (e.g., linting and constrained random testing)

Specialized Knowledge: Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices, FPGA floorplanning, Xilinx System Generator, hardware accelerators, and space communication protocols

Additional Languages: Familiarity with C/C++, Python, or Java for embedded software or scripting tasks

Tooling: Familiarity with alternative synthesis and simulation environments (Synopsys, Aldec)