FPGA Engineer III

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego's fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We're not just reaching for the stars—we're engineering them. Let's innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

As an FPGA Engineer III, you will design, develop, and test Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that power safety-critical logic, sensor integration, optical systems, communication interfaces, and high-performance processing architectures. You'll play a key role in implementing and optimizing logic designs, integrating FPGA/SoC platforms, and supporting lab validation and troubleshooting for space-based applications. Success in this role requires not only expertise in FPGA development but alsoin-depth networking protocol knowledge to ensure seamless communication across complex digital systems. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-critical solutions that meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety standards.

Applicants must currently hold an ACTIVE U.S. security clearance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Design & Implement: Develop and optimize RTL/synthesizable FPGA/SoC logic for mission-critical applications.
• Verify: Create HDL testbenches to validate functionality, conduct synthesis, timing analysis, and performance optimization.
• Validate Hardware: Support FPGA bring-up, debug FPGA/SoC interfaces, and perform lab-based validation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate: Work with hardware, software, and systems engineers to ensure seamless FPGA integration.
• Contribute: Provide input during feasibility studies, design reviews, and documentation of technical findings.
• Refine: Apply and enhance FPGA methodologies including version control, simulation, automation, and best practices.
• Stay Current: Monitor advancements in FPGA technologies and industry standards to evolve design approaches.

YOU'RE AWESOME AT:

• FPGA Development: Skilled in VHDL/Verilog coding, RTL design, verification, and optimization.
• Networking Protocols: Deep understanding of high-speed communication and networking protocols, with proven ability to integrate them into FPGA designs.
• Debugging & Validation: Proficient with simulation tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab equipment for FPGA/SoC validation.
• Technical Problem Solving: Strong analytical thinker who balances performance, thermal, and power constraints.
• Collaboration & Communication: Effective partner across engineering disciplines with strong verbal and written skills.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science required; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working with complex FPGAs or ASICs.
• 3+ years of experience with VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA development.
• 3+ years of experience with complex digital designs, including memory interfaces, high-speed communication protocols, or signal processing.
• Hands-on experience in one or more FPGA phases: RTL design, verification, synthesis/implementation, timing closure, or lab bring-up/validation.
• Familiarity with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim, QuestaSim)
• In-depth networking protocol knowledge
• Experience with system-on-chip (SoC) architectures and embedded processor integration preferred.
• Knowledge of DO-254, radiation-hardened FPGA design, or space-grade FPGA applications a plus.
• Scripting experience (Python, TCL, Perl) for design automation.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills using simulation and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of FPGA power, thermal constraints, and resource optimization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Applicants must currently hold an active U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $125,000 to $145,000 per year, depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We're serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly "Lunch & Learns," we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren't just building tech—we're enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:

At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don't need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:

Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight's CCPA Notice:

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