Lead FPGA Engineer

Job Title: Lead FPGA Engineer

Job Description

Join our dynamic team to pioneer the development of groundbreaking FPGA logic for a rover destined for the moon. This role is a unique opportunity to own the entire FPGA RTL development process, from concept to flight, and to work in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Own FPGA RTL development from initial concept to deployment on the rover.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams to define FPGA logical architecture and requirements.
• Develop hardware and software interfaces between FPGA fabric logic and processing subsystems.
• Write RTL code for Microsemi, Xilinx, or other FPGA or SoC devices using SystemVerilog or VHDL.
• Conduct design verification through simulations, test benches, timing analysis, and hardware testing.
• Lead design reviews and ensure traceability of requirements.
• Create documentation for FPGA operations and interface protocols.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test campaigns, including unit and system level tests.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 10 years of experience in FPGA RTL architecture, development, verification, deployment, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in SystemVerilog or VHDL.
• Experience with at least one scripting language such as TCL, shell, or Python.
• Expertise in verification techniques, timing, and stability analysis.
• Ability to understand PCB designs and read schematics.
• Proficiency in embedded software and AXI protocols (at least AXI4 family).
• Knowledge of common bus and memory interfaces, such as DDR4, SPI, I2C, and UART.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrated success in team building and leadership roles.
• Ability to establish FPGA development infrastructure from scratch.
• Experience in designing for high reliability applications.

Work Environment

The role is based in a startup environment characterized by rapid innovation and minimal hand-holding. As a key architect in FPGA logic design and infrastructure, you will have the autonomy to select the types of chips and development languages used. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission that will send a rover to the moon in 2027, providing a truly remarkable and challenging work experience.

This is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $243000.00/yr.

Full medical, dental, vision, and 401k are offered

This is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $150,000 - $243,000