Digital Design Engineer

Job Title: Digital Design EngineerJob DescriptionThe Digital Design Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes FPGA-based embedded systems for advanced electrical power control applications. This role focuses on writing, simulating, and debugging HDL code, developing command-line test tooling, and using Matlab and Simulink to model and analyze electrical power systems. The engineer collaborates closely with electrical power and controls engineers to create robust, high-performance power control firmware that integrates both digital hardware and software perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Write, simulate, and debug HDL code for FPGA-based embedded systems, ensuring reliable and efficient digital designs.
• Develop command-line tooling, primarily in Python, to test, validate, and automate FPGA design workflows.
• Use Matlab and Simulink to model electrical power systems and support control algorithm development and validation.
• Apply combined digital hardware and software knowledge to optimize overall system architecture and performance.
• Collaborate with electrical power engineers and controls engineers to design and implement advanced power control firmware.
• Implement and support embedded systems HDL design related to communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, memory buses, ARM AMBA AHB or AXI, CAN, RS485, Ethernet, EtherCAT, USB, and fiber optics.
• Contribute to digital signal processing, switching power converter control, and motor control implementations as part of embedded designs.
• Use lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers, to probe, measure, and debug digital hardware.
• Create and maintain Python-based command-line tools and scripts that integrate with version control workflows.
• Work with FPGA toolchains, including vendor-specific suites, to synthesize, implement, and verify FPGA designs.
• Participate in system-level design discussions, providing input on clock domain management, clock crossing strategies, and fixed-point math considerations.
• Support digital hardware design activities, including schematic and PCB-level work using industry-standard tools.
• Contribute to embedded software development in C/C++, embedded Linux, and microcontroller environments as needed.
• Follow established version control practices using Git and support continuous improvement of development processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of industry experience with embedded systems HDL design.
• Hands-on experience with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, memory bus interfaces, ARM AMBA AHB or AXI, CAN, RS485, Ethernet, EtherCAT, USB, and fiber optics.
• Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) in embedded or FPGA-based systems.
• Experience with switching power converter control and motor control applications.
• Proficiency in Verilog or VHDL for FPGA and digital logic design.
• Ability to use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers to probe and debug digital hardware.
• Experience using Python to create command-line tooling and scripting integrated with Git version control.
• Strong understanding of FPGA design workflows and digital hardware concepts.
• Working knowledge of power systems, power electronics, and power system behavior.
• Experience using Git for source code management and collaborative development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Matlab and Simulink, including HDL Coder for generating HDL from models.
• Experience working with AMD/Xilinx Vivado tool suite and associated FPGAs.
• Fixed-point mathematics experience for implementing numerical algorithms in hardware.
• Proficiency with both Verilog and VHDL, with the ability to work across mixed-language codebases.
• Experience designing ARM AMBA AXI and AXI-Stream connected modules.
• Understanding of clock domain management and clock crossing techniques in complex digital systems.
• Experience with CMake for build configuration and project management.
• Digital hardware design experience using Altium Designer or similar PCB design tools.
• Experience with C and C++ programming in embedded environments.
• Embedded Linux and microcontroller (MCU) development experience.
• Familiarity with Python for test automation and tooling beyond core requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional R&D teams focused on power systems and controls.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a dedicated Research and Development center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, within a modern office and lab environment. The role involves working on-site five days per week, with access to lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers for hands-on hardware testing and debugging. Occasional travel, approximately once per quarter, is required to a nearby engineering and manufacturing facility in Franksville to collaborate with additional teams and support system integration activities. The environment combines office-based design and simulation work with laboratory-based hardware validation, offering opportunities to work closely with power systems, controls, and embedded engineering professionals in a collaborative setting. Standard professional attire is expected in office areas, with appropriate technical and safety-related attire used in lab and test environments as required. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Milwaukee, WI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $175000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.full benefits- health, dental, 401K Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Milwaukee, WI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Milwaukee,WI.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

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