FPGA Design Engineer
Draper· Defense & Space R&D· Jul 8, 2026 · 4mo agoPosted 111 days ago
Cambridge, MA
In office
Full-time
Senior
$75K–$220K
3+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 8, 2026 — 111 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com .
Job Description Summary:
We are seeking a talented FPGA engineer to join the digital design team at Draper. The successful candidate will contribute to FPGA development with an emphasis on architecture, design, simulation, and test/support. Candidate must have experience using high level design and simulation tools and be familiar with process flows supporting design and simulation for digital FPGA efforts. Applicant should also be familiar with embedded software development for FPGA SoCs.
The ideal candidate will be capable of working independently as well as working and communicating effectively with team members from multiple engineering, program, and customer groups. As a principal member, you will have leadership opportunities and mentoring responsibilities.
Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of hardware security, signal or image processing, filter design and algorithm implementation in hardware. Direct experience with embedded FPGA design is required.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Translate project and system requirements into well-defined hardware architectures working with cross-functional teams.
• Design and/or complete instruments including microprocessors, power, and analog components.
• Innovatively solve issues, drive completion of the project to schedule, and collaboratively work with other technical contributors.
• Build and test prototypes, debug, and prepare documentation for manufacturing, and support.
• Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting-edge designs.
• Engage other engineers and partners to develop reliable, cost effective and solutions for products.
• Collaborate and communicate with management, internal, and development partners regarding design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
• Independently executes assignments with minimal oversight.
• Able to apply technical knowledge to solve problems.
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency in electronic design, microprocessor or embedded computing.
• Understanding of design and general computer architecture.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Computer programming and coding abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related field. Master's Degree preferred.
Experience
3-5 years experience in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related.
Additional Job Description:
Fluent in Verilog or VHDL
Significant experience in FPGA Design / Development
Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado and/or Microsemi Libero
Digital simulation using Modelsim/Questa
Significant experience with design closure including timing, power, and area for SWaP constrained designs
Experience with high speed interfaces like SERDES, PCIe, DDR2/3/4, LVDS
Experience implementing digital signal processing algorithms
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
Experience with scripting languages
Excellent communication and teaming skills
Self-starter and a good team player
Ability to mentor and willingness to be mentored
Experience with Matlab/Simulink
UVM skills (Test and/or Test Bench Development)
Experience in hardware design and hands-on lab debug
Experience working with FPGA design verification teams
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Cambridge
Job Location - State:
Massachusetts
Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$75,000.00 - $220,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers .
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr draper.com .
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