Firmware Engineer

Job Title: SR. Firmware Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a SR. Firmware Engineer to join our defense electronics development team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience designing, implementing, and verifying firmware designs for high-reliability systems used in RF, ISR, RADAR, and SATCOM applications. A deep understanding of VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and digital logic design for FPGA-based systems is essential. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional engineering teams developing mission-critical products for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware for FPGA and embedded control systems using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.

• Architect, implement, and optimize firmware for high-reliability applications.

• Develop low-level control and data-processing logic for mixed-signal and RF systems.

• Integrate firmware with higher-level embedded software and hardware components.

• Define and implement FPGA architectures for signal processing, control logic, and interface management.

• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineers to define timing, interface, and performance requirements.

• Participate in schematic and board-level design reviews to ensure firmware/hardware compatibility.

• Develop simulation testbenches and perform verification at module and system level using relevant tools.

• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debug activities using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF test equipment.

• Document design approaches, test procedures, and verification results per company and DoD standards.

• Ensure designs meet reliability, radiation tolerance, and EMI/EMC requirements for defense systems.

• Adhere to DO-254 and other applicable aerospace/defense development standards.

• Participate in design reviews, peer reviews, and configuration management activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

• 8+ years of experience developing firmware for FPGA or embedded systems in aerospace or defense environments.

• Proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.

• Experience with Xilinx, Intel/Altera, or Microchip/Microsemi FPGA toolchains.

• Solid understanding of digital logic design, timing closure, and simulation.

• Hands-on experience integrating firmware with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204B/C, SPI, UART, etc.).

• Strong documentation and communication skills.

• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain or hold a DoD security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with DO-254, MIL-STD-461, or related defense design standards.

• Experience developing firmware for RF, EW, or satellite communications systems.

• Exposure to embedded C/C++, Python test frameworks, or hardware-in-the-loop validation.

• Experience with digital circuit design.

• Experience in signal processing or data acquisition firmware design.

Work Environment

The work environment involves collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams in a defense electronics setting. Technologies and equipment used include FPGA toolchains and RF test equipment. The role requires adherence to defense industry standards and collaboration with various engineering disciplines to support mission-critical product development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, Maryland.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.11 - $86.50/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 12, 2025.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.