Sr FPGA Firmware Developer at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Pennsylvania

Job description

• Imagine a world-class engineering environment. Now add a team of exceptional talent along with technologies that are so advanced they're often classified. That's what you'll find at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Here you'll work with amazing engineers as they invent the technologies, products and services that help our service members, intelligence analysts and first responders keep our nation safe. If you want the chance to lead, it's time to bring your talent to General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS).
• At GDMS, we provide premium systems, services, and products for the Department of Defense, government agencies and commercial clients. We are a technology leader in numerous areas including technology insertion; acoustic sensors; signal processing; combat systems; torpedoes; cyber security; knowledge management; and electronic warfare.
• We are seeking an Senior FPGA Firmware Developer (Adv Software Eng) to develop, integrate, test, and support custom FPGA firmware within the Torpedo Systems Group (TSG). The TSG designs, develops, demonstrates, produces, assembles, tests and delivers torpedo SONAR arrays and electronic assemblies. The TSG team works with the Navy, internal production staff and the representatives from other companies to advance torpedo performance and lower production costs.
• Architecting and developing complex FPGA firmware solutions within a collaborative, cross-functional engineering team
• Hands-on integration and debug of firmware on target hardware using industry-leading FPGA tools and lab equipment
• End-to-end ownership of firmware components — from detailed design through root cause analysis and configuration management
• Collaboration with design, systems, and electrical engineering teams to identify schematic updates and hardware reworks
• Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Responsibilities

• Be part of a team comprised of design, system engineering, and electrical engineering to develop embedded systems. Duties include:
• Architect, design, and document FPGA firmware hierarchies, components, interfaces, and data flows
• Develop, simulate, and test firmware components in preparation for integration
• Define FPGA timing, pinout, and placement constraints; review synthesis and timing reports and address issues
• Integrate and test firmware on target hardware using FPGA tools and laboratory equipment
• Document failures, identify root causes, implement fixes, and maintain configuration management documentation

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 months of relevant experience.
• Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
• Experience implementing FPGA firmware including custom VHDL components containing state machines, synchronous/asynchronous logic, processes, and external interfaces
• Understanding of the underlying FPGA fabric and experience working across cross-clock boundaries
• Familiarity with Xilinx (AMD) and/or Altera (Intel) compiler, programming, and debug tools
• Experience reviewing schematics, parts lists, and rework documentation
• Methodical, independent problem-solving and research skills
• Familiarity with floor planning and timing optimizations
• Working knowledge of standard network protocols (e.g., IPv4, UDP, TCP/IP)
• Experience implementing custom digital signal processing filters

Skills

Required

• FPGA firmware development
• VHDL
• FPGA tools and laboratory equipment
• Configuration management
• Problem-solving
• Research skills

Preferred

• Floor planning and timing optimizations
• Custom digital signal processing filters

Benefits

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits