Position: FPGA ENGINEER

Experience: 3 years of experience. 

Minimum Education: BS or equivalent in Electrical or Software Engineering

Compensation Range: $100k - $180k depending upon education, skills, and experience. 

Do you love solving challenging problems that enable execution of ultra-high-speed processing and real time control algorithms? Are you excited about working across multi-discipline platforms including software, FPGA-based firmware, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical engineering? FPGA engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. implement ultra-high-speed real time control solutions that maximize performance and operation of our High Energy Laser Weapon System solutions. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, CO, we are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We need motivated FPGA Engineers that are excited about building and delivering HEL weapon systems and maybe someday help put a laser on a shark!

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.

Job Description:

Develop, test, and implement ultra-high-speed real time FPGA-based control and data capture solutions for cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems. Execute and optimize builds for constrained resources. Test and debug control and data capture solutions with surrogate test hardware and/or with final deliverable system hardware. Document and track progress against requirements. Develop lower-level execution requirements and pipelined FPGA solutions based on specifications defined by block diagrams and/or example MATLAB or Python code.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and test FPGA firmware based on specifications defined by block diagrams, example code and/or MATLAB or Python code.

• Design rigorous unit tests and analyze data to validate code.

• Work cross-functionally with all engineering development and firmware/software related groups.

• Review and develop firmware for custom PCBs.

• Integrate electronic solutions with electro-optical, electro-mechanical, firmware, and software interfaces.

• Work with internal and external customers, manufacturers, and vendors for product support.

Required Experience / Capability:

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.

• Excel in individual and collaborative work assignments, with focus on promoting a collaborative work environment.

• Effectively manage schedules and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.

• Experience with VHDL or Verilog.

• Experience with FPGAs or microcontrollers and their interface to external devices (PCs, motors, analog circuits).

• Experience with AMD / Xilinx Vivado and Vitis Software, and Siemens ModelSim Simulation Tools.

• Experience with Aurora, PCIe, or Ethernet interfaces.

• Experience with optimizing FPGA builds.

• Strong debugging experience with hardware.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting experience with the ability to integrate information from multiple sources to reach a solution.

Additional Supporting Desired Experience / Capability

• Experience with CameraLink and/or COAX Express standards.

• Experience in printed circuit board (PCB) design, troubleshooting, and test.

• Experience with EMI/EMC design, testing, and mitigation.

• Experience in task management using GitLab or similar platform.

• Familiarity with MATLAB, C#, C, C , and/or Python.

• Experience with cable design, build and test.

• Experience with Fiber Optic cable design for data transmission (MTP connectors and OM3 fiber).

• Knowledge of grounding system design and test.

• Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.

• Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser Systems.

• Familiarity with MS Office 365 tools.

Benefits Summary:

Health (ACA Gold Plan), Dental and Vison Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents. Company paid Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability. Competitive 401k with immediate vesting of company contribution. Approx. 3 weeks Paid Time Off 11 Paid Holidays.

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.