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Fpga Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

What your day-to-day as a Low-Level Radio Frequency FPGA Engineer at Fermilab will look like ... and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign ...

Fermilab

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, NY

$111K - $146K/yr

What your day-to-day as a Low-Level Radio Frequency FPGA Engineer at Fermilab will look like ... and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign ...

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Fpga Contractor information

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$85K

$147.3K

$198.5K

How much do fpga contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga contractor in the United States is $147,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are FPGA contractors?

FPGA contractors are specialized professionals who design, implement, and test digital circuits using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) on a contract or freelance basis. They typically work with clients to create custom hardware solutions, often for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. FPGA contractors may handle tasks such as RTL design, simulation, synthesis, and hardware verification. Their expertise allows companies to develop high-performance, flexible hardware without hiring full-time FPGA engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FPGA Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FPGA Contractor, you need expertise in digital design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and a strong background in electronics or computer engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard FPGA development tools (like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus), simulation software, and sometimes certifications in embedded systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help contractors excel in dynamic project environments. These abilities are crucial to delivering reliable, high-performance solutions on time and ensuring successful client outcomes in specialized hardware development projects.

What is the difference between Fpga Contractor vs FPGA Engineer?

AspectFpga ContractorFPGA Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; certifications are a plusRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering; often holds certifications in FPGA design
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often project-specific, working on-site or remotelyFull-time employment, usually in an office or lab setting
Industry UsageCommon in industries needing flexible, short-term FPGA expertise like defense, aerospace, or tech startupsStandard role in electronics, telecommunications, and embedded systems companies

While both roles involve FPGA design and development, FPGA Contractors typically work on short-term projects with flexible arrangements, whereas FPGA Engineers are full-time employees with ongoing responsibilities in their organizations.

What are some common challenges FPGA contractors face when working with new clients or projects?

FPGA contractors often encounter challenges such as adapting to different toolchains, integrating with unfamiliar development processes, and quickly understanding existing codebases or hardware architectures. Because FPGA projects can vary widely in complexity and requirements, contractors must be adept at ramping up quickly and communicating effectively with both hardware and software teams. Additionally, they may need to balance tight project deadlines with the need for thorough testing and validation to ensure reliable designs.
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What cities are hiring for Fpga Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Fpga Contractor job openings:
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Fpga Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fpga Contractor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,315 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
System Engineer Support Principal (FPGA experience)

System Engineer Support Principal (FPGA experience)

Applied Research Solutions

Bedford, MA • On-site

$170K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a full-time System Engineer Support Principal for Hanscom AFB. This role requires employee pass background screening for SAP.
The role requires experience with Field-Programmable Gate Array) as well as an engineering degree. These engineers design, develop, and test reconfigurable digital circuits using Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog, often in high performance, low-latency applications in sectors like aerospace, finance, and telecommunications. They work closely with hardware, performing simulations, debugging and system integration.
An FPGA Engineer designs, develops, and tests digital systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), requiring strong skills in digital logic, programming and collaboration with other engineers.
Why Work with us?
Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.
Responsibilities Include:
The individual shall be able to:
  • 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.
  • Build and test prototypes, debug, and prepare documentation for manufacturing, and support.
  • Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting-edge designs.
  • Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop, negotiate and manage requirements.
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced architectures and designs for complex ASICs.
  • Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
  • 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
  • Experience with scripting languages
  • 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
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Top Secret Security Clearance with ability to access SAP
  • 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.
  • Bachelor's degree in electronic or electrical engineering or related field. Master's Degree preferred.

The expected annual salary range: $170k - $192k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.
All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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