FPGA Design Engineer
GIRD Systems, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, United States
GIRD Systems, Inc., is a Cincinnati-based small business that specializes in cutting-edge research and development and is a leader in signal processing, RF/digital wireless communications, and software defined radio. We design, develop and deliver mission-focused technology solutions and software/hardware products, leveraging the state-of-the-art in software, FPGA, digital hardware and RF engineering, system engineering, and system integration, toward bringing our signal processing and communications innovations to the warfighter. These solutions address critical needs in software defined radio, tactical radio, mission operations and open processing architectures.
About the Role
We are seeking a VHDL / Firmware Engineer to take a leading role in the design, implementation, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems. In this role, the successful candidate implement highly complex algorithms in both proprietary and customer-furnished software defined radio hardware. The focus will be on the development and optimization of advanced waveforms and communication protocols, leveraging state-of-the-art Xilinx/AMD devices to deliver high-performance, real-time signal processing solutions.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and simulate high-performance FPGA firmware using VHDL for digital signal processing (DSP) and communication systems.
Implement, optimize, and test complex waveforms, modulation/demodulation schemes, and error-correction coding on FPGA hardware.
Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers to translate system-level models (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++) into efficient, reliable hardware architectures.
Perform synthesis, implementation, and timing closure on complex, high-utilization FPGA designs.
Conduct hardware validation, integration, and debugging in a lab environment using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
Contribute to system architecture discussions, hardware/software partitioning, and the generation of technical design documentation.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
5 to 10 years of professional experience in FPGA firmware development using VHDL (experience with SystemVerilog is a plus, provided VHDL proficiency is strong).
Solid fundamental knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) concepts, including digital filters (FIR/IIR), FFTs, DDCs/DUCs, and mixed-signal concepts.
Proven experience in communication systems theory and hands-on waveform development/implementation.
Strong hardware debugging skills and experience bringing up new hardware.
Required Skills
Extensive experience with advanced Xilinx/AMD FPGA families, specifically Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, RFSoC, and/or Versal ACAP.
Deep proficiency in the Xilinx/AMD toolchain, including Vivado Design Suite, Vitis, and IP Integrator.
Experience with Xilinx DSP tools such as System Generator or Vitis Model Composer.
Familiarity with AXI4 interconnect protocols and integrating custom IP blocks into embedded SoC environments.
Experience with high-speed serial interfaces and data converter protocols (e.g., JESD204B/C, PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet).
Background in Software Defined Radio (SDR) architectures or phased array radar systems.
Pay range and compensation package
GIRD Systems provides our employees with competitive compensation packages and a full range of benefits, including vacation/holiday, 100% company-paid medical and dental insurance premiums for individuals and families, 25% 401(k) contribution without a requirement for employee matching, and tuition assistance. We have a casual working environment with flexible working hours and a culture that emphasizes innovation, teamwork, agility, process and quality.
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About the Role
We are seeking a VHDL / Firmware Engineer to take a leading role in the design, implementation, and verification of complex FPGA-based systems. In this role, the successful candidate implement highly complex algorithms in both proprietary and customer-furnished software defined radio hardware. The focus will be on the development and optimization of advanced waveforms and communication protocols, leveraging state-of-the-art Xilinx/AMD devices to deliver high-performance, real-time signal processing solutions.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and simulate high-performance FPGA firmware using VHDL for digital signal processing (DSP) and communication systems.
Implement, optimize, and test complex waveforms, modulation/demodulation schemes, and error-correction coding on FPGA hardware.
Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers to translate system-level models (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++) into efficient, reliable hardware architectures.
Perform synthesis, implementation, and timing closure on complex, high-utilization FPGA designs.
Conduct hardware validation, integration, and debugging in a lab environment using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
Contribute to system architecture discussions, hardware/software partitioning, and the generation of technical design documentation.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
5 to 10 years of professional experience in FPGA firmware development using VHDL (experience with SystemVerilog is a plus, provided VHDL proficiency is strong).
Solid fundamental knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) concepts, including digital filters (FIR/IIR), FFTs, DDCs/DUCs, and mixed-signal concepts.
Proven experience in communication systems theory and hands-on waveform development/implementation.
Strong hardware debugging skills and experience bringing up new hardware.
Required Skills
Extensive experience with advanced Xilinx/AMD FPGA families, specifically Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, RFSoC, and/or Versal ACAP.
Deep proficiency in the Xilinx/AMD toolchain, including Vivado Design Suite, Vitis, and IP Integrator.
Experience with Xilinx DSP tools such as System Generator or Vitis Model Composer.
Familiarity with AXI4 interconnect protocols and integrating custom IP blocks into embedded SoC environments.
Experience with high-speed serial interfaces and data converter protocols (e.g., JESD204B/C, PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet).
Background in Software Defined Radio (SDR) architectures or phased array radar systems.
Pay range and compensation package
GIRD Systems provides our employees with competitive compensation packages and a full range of benefits, including vacation/holiday, 100% company-paid medical and dental insurance premiums for individuals and families, 25% 401(k) contribution without a requirement for employee matching, and tuition assistance. We have a casual working environment with flexible working hours and a culture that emphasizes innovation, teamwork, agility, process and quality.
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