Job Title: FPGA Design EngineerJob DescriptionThis full-time, onsite FPGA Design Engineer role is based in Niceville, FL or Tucson, AZ and focuses on developing advanced FPGA solutions for defense-related systems, including guidance, navigation, munitions, and real-time control applications. You will design, implement, and verify FPGA architectures across multiple platforms, working closely with embedded software and systems engineers to support weapon systems, navigation, and other mission-critical defense technologies. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, rapidly developed solutions in a lean, fast-paced environment with a strong people-first culture and long-term stability.Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and verify FPGA architectures using VHDL for mission-critical defense applications.
- Develop FPGA solutions across multiple platforms, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable designs.
- Define, interpret, and refine FPGA requirements in collaboration with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams.
- Implement and integrate communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, UART, I2C, and MIL-STD-1553 within FPGA designs.
- Perform design verification, test, and integration activities to ensure reliable operation in real-time and embedded environments.
- Collaborate with embedded software engineers working in C++ and other languages to ensure seamless hardwaresoftware integration.
- Support real-time systems running on Linux, RTOS, and VxWorks by aligning FPGA behavior with system-level performance and timing requirements.
- Work independently and efficiently in a lean environment, making sound engineering decisions with limited documentation.
- Use tools such as Vivado, Quartus, and Vitis to synthesize, implement, and debug FPGA designs on Xilinx, Intel, and Lattice devices.
- Leverage version control and DevOps tools such as Git and Azure DevOps to manage source code, track changes, and support collaborative development.
- Contribute to weapon system, munitions, and navigation-related projects by providing FPGA and embedded expertise throughout the development lifecycle.
- Participate in system-level testing, simulation, and integration activities to validate end-to-end functionality.
- Support rapid prototyping efforts and iterate quickly on designs to meet evolving requirements and timelines.
- Operate within core onsite hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) while being available for additional collaboration as needed.
- Maintain eligibility for a security clearance and adhere to all security and compliance requirements associated with defense programs.
Essential Skills
- 510 years of hands-on FPGA design and development experience.
- Strong proficiency in VHDL for FPGA design, implementation, and verification.
- Experience working across multiple FPGA platforms and vendors.
- Solid understanding of FPGA architecture, design principles, and requirements definition.
- Experience implementing and integrating communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, UART, I2C, and MIL-STD-1553.
- Proven experience in FPGA design test, verification, and system integration.
- Ability to work effectively and make sound engineering decisions with limited documentation.
- Eligibility for a security clearance.
- Experience with real-time systems, including Linux, RTOS, and VxWorks.
- Experience in defense-related software or systems such as weapons, munitions, and navigation.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, lean engineering environment.
- Ability and willingness to work full-time onsite within defined core hours (MondayFriday, 8 a.m.3 p.m.).
- Experience with FPGA development tools such as Vivado, Quartus, and Vitis.
- Experience with Xilinx, Intel, or Lattice FPGA devices.
- Proficiency with version control and DevOps tools such as Git and Azure DevOps.
- Experience with C++ and embedded software concepts sufficient to collaborate effectively with software engineers.
- Experience with Department of Defense and weapon systems environments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 1015 years of overall software engineering experience, including leadership roles, is highly valued.
- Experience with Verilog as an additional HDL is a strong plus.
- Experience with multi-language development environments, including C++, C#, Python, and Java.
- Direct experience with munitions, weapon systems, and/or GPS is highly desirable.
- Experience in rapid prototyping and agile, small-company environments is preferred.
- Experience with companies or environments focused on advanced defense technologies and rapid development cycles is beneficial.
- Interest in a long-term role with at least 510+ years remaining in ones career is preferred.
- Openness to either direct hire or contract-to-hire arrangements, depending on mutual preference.
Work EnvironmentThis role is fully onsite at a defense-focused engineering facility in Niceville, FL or Tucson, AZ, operating within core hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You will work in a fast-paced, lean environment that emphasizes rapid prototyping, minimal bureaucracy, and high-impact project work. The culture is people-first and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on innovation, agility, and long-term stability. Engineers regularly work with modern FPGA toolchains such as Vivado, Quartus, and Vitis, as well as Xilinx, Intel, and Lattice hardware platforms, and integrate with real-time systems running Linux, RTOS, and VxWorks. Version control and DevOps practices are supported through tools like Git and Azure DevOps. The day-to-day atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with attire such as shorts and jeans acceptable, while still maintaining a professional focus on mission-critical defense systems. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Niceville, FL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr. 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.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Niceville, FL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Niceville,FL.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.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
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.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
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):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
