Digital Hardware EngineerThe Digital Hardware Engineer will design, implement, and validate advanced digital systems with an emphasis on FPGA-based development. The engineer will translate functional or algorithmic specifications into optimized HDL architectures, perform simulation and verification, and integrate these designs into prototypes and full hardware systems. This role requires expertise in complex, highspeed digital design and hands-on experience bringing FPGA implementations into working hardware.In addition to digital design, the engineer will develop and test supporting hardware such as power distribution, digital control and other PCBs.
Responsibilities include building and refining prototypes, diagnosing and resolving defects, overseeing hardware integration, and maintaining detailed design documentation. The ideal candidate has strong FPGA/HDL skills, experience with hardware design tools, and the ability to evaluate, iterate, and improve both digital and physical system performance.Required Skills:5 years or more of relevant design experience, hands-on radar systems design, system realization, and field testing of HF and microwave radar systems.Strong knowledge of VHDL/Verilog, Vivado/ISE, ISIM, EDK, System Generator, 3rd Part IPDeveloping VHDL/Verilog test benches for functional and timing simulationDetailed PCB design and bring up using Mentor Graphics and AltiumUsage of Test Equipment, RF signal generators, Oscilloscopes and Logic AnalyzersWorking in Windows 7/10 and Linux environments, and TCLCandidate should be familiar with digital receiver design, including direct detect (i.e. RF sampling) receiver architecturesProficiency with MATLABCandidate must have good organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments working independently and in a team environment, and effectively present results.Effective communication with colleagues, sponsors, and other research sitesRadar timing and basic signal processing.RF convertersXilinx FPGA development and test in an Embedded environmentPCB design, schematic capture, component selections and simulation using Altium/Mentor Graphics. Evaluating design tradeoff against speed and resource utilizationStrong knowledge and understanding of analog/digital components, ADC and DAC performancesExperience with various hardware interfaces and communication: PCIe, I2C, LVDS, Serial Data over Fiber Optics with Protocol knowledgeSoftware design and development in C/C++Desire and ability to participate in field experiments and data collection efforts, which could involve travelWork location: Hybrid - Candidates should expect to be onsite 3 days a weekClearance: Candidates must have an active secret clearance to be considered for this roleTravel: Estimated at 5% domestic and internationalInterview Process: Initial pre-screen with Group Leader(s). If candidate advances to next round, will be a larger group interview with technical staff.Must HaveDegree Level: Bachelor’s Degree YesDesign: Circuit Design 5 yearsElectrical/Electronics: New Circuit Characterization and Qualification 5 yearsNew Circuit Debug 5 yearsPCB Design and Layout 5 yearsHardware: Experience with Xilinx/AMD FPGAs, MPSoCs, and ACAPs 5 yearsHardware Design 5 yearsHardware Design Tools such as SolidWorks, PCB Layout Tools such as Altium Designer 5 yearsProgramming: C/C++ 5 yearsFPGA Development (VHDL/Verilog or SystemVerilog) 5 yearsFPGA development and diagnostic tools 5 yearsMATLAB 5 yearsSignal Processing: Advanced Signal Processing, Receiver/Transmitter Design, Radar Architectures 5 yearsDevelop DSP algorithms optimized for FPGA implementation 5 yearsSystems: FPGA Embedded Systems Development (Xilinx, ARM, Microblaze, PetaLinux) 5 yearsTesting: Testing and Evaluation 5 yearsDuration: 36 MonthsSecurity Clearance Requirement: YesSecurity Clearance Level: Active SecretLocation: Lexington, MA 02421Pay Range: $75-$110 an hour