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Entry Level Fpga Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Fpga information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$41.9K

$89.3K

$147.3K

How much do entry level fpga jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fpga in Silver Spring, MD is $89,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level FPGA?

An Entry Level FPGA job involves designing, developing, and testing digital circuits using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Engineers in this role typically use Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog to program and configure FPGAs for specific applications. Responsibilities may include writing HDL code, simulating designs, debugging hardware issues, and collaborating with senior engineers. This role is common in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Strong knowledge of digital logic, programming, and FPGA toolchains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus) is typically required for success in this position.

What does an entry level FPGA do?

As an Entry Level FPGA engineer, your daily tasks often include designing and coding digital circuits using hardware description languages, running simulations to test your designs, and synthesizing them onto FPGA devices. You may also be involved in debugging and troubleshooting hardware issues, as well as collaborating with senior engineers and other team members on larger design projects. Documentation, updating progress reports, and participating in design reviews are common parts of the workflow. This mix of technical tasks and team collaboration helps new engineers build strong foundational skills while contributing to real-world product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level FPGA position?

To thrive as an Entry Level FPGA engineer, you need a solid understanding of digital logic design, VHDL/Verilog programming, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering. Familiarity with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus, and hands-on experience with simulation and debugging tools, are highly desirable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively within cross-functional teams help set candidates apart. These skills ensure you can develop and implement efficient hardware solutions while collaborating smoothly in fast-paced engineering environments.

Are entry level FPGA engineers in demand?

Entry level FPGA engineers are in demand due to the growing use of FPGAs in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and automotive. Skills in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, along with knowledge of digital design tools, increase employability in this field.

How to get into an entry level FPGA job?

To secure an entry-level FPGA position, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, along with knowledge of hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, personal projects, or coursework involving FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills and understanding of digital logic design are also important for entry-level FPGA roles.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fpga jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fpga jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Fpga jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Fpga job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fpga job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,298 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

FPGA Engineering Intern (Comms/TVI)

Clarksburg, MD • On-site

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$34 - $37/hr

Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do! 

 

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. has an opening for a DSP/FPGA Engineering intern within the Software Engineering department for 8 weeks during the summer of 2027. This position will be responsible for some entry-level assignments that will provide exposure to the software engineering job family. This position is located in the Clarksburg, MD office and reports to the DSP/FPGA Engineering Manager. 

Responsibilities 

During your summer internship with mission-driven engineers, you will contribute to the design, implementation, and testing of DSP solutions for various mission applications on next generation Software-Defined Radio (SDR) signal processing hardware. Some of the skills you can expect to develop include:

  • Understanding the intricacies of DSP algorithms for various SDR applications.
  • Learn to develop and implement FPGA-based solutions for signal processing tasks.
  • Participate in the verification and testing of DSP/FPGA designs.
  • Help document design specifications, test procedures, and results.
  • Learn and utilize industry-standard tools for DSP/FPGA development.
  • Assisting in the setup and maintenance of DSP lab equipment.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college and have completed at least 2 semesters within the engineering field of study. Electrical Engineering preferred.
  • Knowledge of Digital Signal Processing/Digital Communications algorithms and techniques (Turbo/Viterbi coding/decoding, Channel Estimation, Equalization, Filter Design, Resampling Theory etc.)
  • Experience with high speed digital interfaces, experience in either/or Xilinx and Altera design.
  • Experience coding in Verilog and/or VHDL.
  • Familiarity with Matlab or Python required.  C/C++ or other programming languages is desired.
  • Understanding of wireless communication theory and signal processing theory is a plus.
  • Must be fluent in English, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.  

The hourly pay range for this role is $34.00 - $37.00 USD. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. 

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com. 

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer. 

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000. 

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