FPGA / PLD Development ManagerDuluth, GA (Onsite) | Aerospace & Avionics9/80 Schedule Available – Every Other Friday OffAt Universal Avionics, we develop advanced avionics, enhanced vision systems, and intelligent cockpit technologies that improve aviation safety and situational awareness worldwide. For over 40 years, Universal Avionics has been a trusted innovator in aerospace technology, supporting commercial airlines, business aviation, cargo operations, and special mission aircraft around the globe.We are seeking an experienced FPGA / PLD Development Manager to lead our PLD Development team within the Hardware Engineering organization. This role combines deep technical leadership with people leadership, driving the architecture, development, verification, and certification of complex avionics firmware solutions in compliance with DO-254 standards.What You'll DoAs the FPGA / PLD Development Manager, you will lead and guide a team responsible for the full PLD development lifecycle for avionics products.
Responsibilities include:Leading the architecture, implementation, verification, and certification of FPGA/PLD solutions for avionics systemsManaging technical execution across requirements, RTL design, low-level verification, hardware integration, and problem resolutionDriving compliance with DO-254 processes, airworthiness requirements, and engineering quality standardsCollaborating cross-functionally with Systems, Hardware, Software, Verification, and Certification teamsSupporting proposal and capture activities, including technical concepts, cost estimates, staffing plans, and schedulesDeveloping team capability through mentoring, coaching, technical leadership, and continuous improvementManaging department priorities, staffing plans, execution quality, and engineering performanceHelping build next-generation avionics technologies that directly impact flight safety and operational effectivenessWhy Engineers Love Working Here:Meaningful Technology.Work on advanced avionics systems used in mission-critical flight operations across commercial, business, and special mission aircraft platforms.Complex Engineering Challenges.Lead highly technical FPGA and PLD development efforts spanning architecture, RTL design, verification, certification, integration, and system-level problem solving.Leadership with Technical Depth.This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys mentoring engineers while remaining closely connected to technical execution and engineering excellence.Innovation with Stability.Engineering Culture.We value curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and engineers who take ownership of solving difficult technical problems.Modern Collaborative Environment- our engineers work onsite in a modern facility designed to support technical innovation, cross-functional collaboration, hands-on integration, and focused engineering work.How Is Success Measured:Delivering high-quality FPGA/PLD solutions with strong technical executionLeading teams effectively through complex avionics development and certification environmentsDriving engineering rigor, reliability, and accountabilityBuilding scalable engineering processes and improving execution efficiencyContributing to successful delivery of advanced avionics programsSupporting strong collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teamsMentoring and developing high-performing engineersWhat We're Looking For:Bachelor's or Advanced Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering10+ years of FPGA / firmware / PLD development experience2+ years of engineering leadership or management experienceStrong background in FPGA/PLD architecture, RTL design, verification, and hardware integrationExperience working within DO-254 or other highly regulated/certified development environmentsAbility to lead technical teams while maintaining strong engineering involvementStrong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skillsOur Engineering Mindset & Core Values:InnovationWe push avionics technology forward through creativity, engineering precision, and continuous improvement.ResilienceWe solve difficult technical challenges in complex certification and development environments.ExcellenceWe hold ourselves to high engineering standards in quality, execution, and reliability."Yes, I Can" OwnershipWe value engineers and leaders who are proactive, adaptable, collaborative, and solutions oriented.Why This Opportunity Stands Out:At Universal Avionics, engineers are trusted to make meaningful technical contributions that directly impact aerospace innovation and flight operations worldwide.You will have the opportunity to:Influence real aerospace products used globallyLead highly visible engineering initiativesWork alongside experienced technical professionalsContribute to meaningful innovation in aviation technologyGrow within an organization that values technical excellence and leadershipBenefits & PerksBenefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.Medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with safe harbor match within 60 days.9/80 work schedule option, every other Friday offVacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidaysTuition reimbursementWellness and employee assistance programsAnd moreWork EnvironmentThis role is based onsite in Duluth, Georgia due to the hands-on nature of hardware integration and lab collaboration. Our engineers work in a modern facility designed to support technical innovation, cross functional collaboration, and focused engineering work.Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.If you are looking for a role where your technical leadership directly impacts the future of flight, we would love to connect with you.