FPGA Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining embedded firmware and software algorithms that operate precision variable frequency drives (VFDs), DC/DC converters, and electric motors. You will work at the intersection of firmware, FPGA, and hardware design to deliver reliable, high‑performance control solutions in a power electronics environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support firmware that controls DC/DC converters and electric motors, with a strong focus on reliability and performance.
• Develop and maintain embedded software for variable frequency drives (VFDs) and related power electronics applications.
• Write, simulate, and debug HDL code for FPGA designs, ensuring correct functionality and integration with microcontrollers and embedded systems.
• Develop and debug microcontroller code, including software that interfaces between FPGA and microcontroller components.
• Adhere to established coding standards, revision control practices, and configuration management processes using tools such as Git.
• Solicit, analyze, and incorporate feedback from customers and end users to continuously improve firmware features and product performance.
• Conduct and actively participate in code reviews and design reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.
• Champion new ideas and features of varying scope in a respectful and collaborative manner, contributing to product innovation.
• Document designs thoroughly with clear code comments, technical reports, and design descriptions to support knowledge sharing and maintenance.
• Track, investigate, and resolve reported bugs, performing thorough testing and verification to confirm the effectiveness and robustness of fixes.
• Design and develop reusable software and system components, integrating them into both existing and new product designs.
• Collaborate closely with electrical hardware engineers throughout planning, design, and development to ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility.
• Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional groups and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technology or product issues.
• Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction by delivering high‑quality, reliable solutions and responsive support.
• Assist team members in achieving project-level budgets and schedules on assigned projects.
• Foster open communication and effective collaboration with technical and business functions, including sales, operations, and quality.
• Participate in a culture of continuous learning, driving standardization, and promoting high quality in design with an emphasis on manufacturability.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and work rules and regulations, and support the maintenance of high housekeeping and organizational standards in the department.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on control of DC/DC converters and electric motors.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in embedded firmware, FPGA, and power electronics applications.
• Strong experience in FPGA firmware development and its application to engineering and control problems.
• Proficiency in writing, simulating, and debugging HDL code for FPGA design, including experience with Verilog.
• Experience writing and debugging microcontroller code, including software that interfaces FPGA devices with microcontrollers.
• Hands-on experience with embedded software development using C and C .
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) for embedded applications.
• Proficiency with Git or similar version control systems and adherence to structured revision control practices.
• Strong understanding of system-level design trade-offs, including resource constraints on microcontrollers and FPGAs when designing software and hardware.
• Solid technical skills in electric motor control, DC/DC converter control, and power electronics.
• Strong process orientation and discipline, with demonstrated application of structured problem-solving tools such as root cause analysis, 5-Why analysis, and 8D methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure performance and compatibility.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documentation, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Vivado and Vitis toolchains for FPGA development.
• Familiarity with Matlab, System Generator, and other mathematical design suites for modeling and simulation.
• Experience with low-voltage drives, DC/DC converters, and control systems in industrial applications.
• Strong familiarity with power electronics equipment, including switchgear, soft starters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Experience working in a power-electronics and industrial packaging manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated track record of creating and applying standard processes and problem-solving techniques in engineering organizations.
• Ability to operate effectively as a technical lead on projects, balancing technical depth with project delivery requirements.
• Commitment to continuous learning, staying current with emerging tools, methods, and technologies in embedded systems and power electronics.

Work Environment

This position operates within a hardware and firmware engineering organization focused on power electronics and industrial control products. You will work primarily on-site in an engineering facility in Franksville, collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, and cross-functional teams. Occasional travel to a related site in Milwaukee is required as project needs dictate. The environment emphasizes collaboration, open communication, and a strong focus on product quality, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction. You will use modern development tools such as Git for version control, FPGA toolchains (e.g., Vivado, Vitis), mathematical design suites (e.g., Matlab/System Generator), and standard embedded software toolchains for C/C and real-time operating systems. Safety, adherence to work rules, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace are integral parts of the culture.e

This is a Permanent position based out of Caledonia, WI.

The pay range for this position is $105000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Caledonia,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $105,000 - $150,000