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Fpga Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Fpga Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$55 - $80/hr

FPGA Design Engineer We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense organization focused on developing cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF ...

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: * LLRF System Design for high power synchrotrons * Develop design specifications based on project ...

Next Step Systems

FPGA Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

FPGA Engineer, Chicago, IL A rapidly growing proprietary trading firm with offices in Chicago ... Qualifications: - 3+ years experience in FPGA design, including of experience in the full FPGA ...

Next Step Systems

FPGA Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

FPGA Engineer, Chicago, IL FPGA Engineer candidates located outside of the Chicago area can work ... Qualifications: - 3+ years experience in FPGA design, including of experience in the full FPGA ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Design and develop IP cores and FPGA configurations implementing the latest in leakage-resilient hardware cryptography algorithms using state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. Modeling and Simulation: Use ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Design and develop IP cores and FPGA configurations implementing the latest in leakage-resilient hardware cryptography algorithms using state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. Modeling and Simulation: Use ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL

$128K - $164K/yr

Design and develop IP cores and FPGA configurations implementing the latest in leakage-resilient hardware cryptography algorithms using state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. Modeling and Simulation: Use ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$128K - $164K/yr

Design and develop IP cores and FPGA configurations implementing the latest in leakage-resilient hardware cryptography algorithms using state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. Modeling and Simulation: Use ...

DRW

Senior FPGA Engineer (Algo)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Liaise directly with software and other design teams * Conduct lab debugging and characterization ... Solid Hardware Engineering experience, especially with FPGA * Highly autonomous with a can-do ...

Next Step Systems

Senior FPGA Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Senior FPGA Engineer, Chicago, IL We are looking to hire a highly talented Senior FPGA Engineer to ... Qualifications: - 4+ years of experience in FPGA Design including hardware architecture, simulation ...

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All JobsFpga Design Engineer JobsFpga Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fpga Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.2K

$151.6K

$217K

How much do fpga design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga design engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,800.00 and $174,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FPGA design engineer?

FPGA Design Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and implement digital circuits using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). They work with hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog to create custom logic solutions for applications such as telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and more. These engineers are responsible for the entire FPGA development cycle, which includes requirements analysis, design, simulation, verification, and testing. Their expertise helps deliver high-performance and flexible hardware solutions tailored to specific project needs.

What are some typical challenges FPGA design engineers face when integrating their designs with larger systems?

FPGA Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating their designs with broader system architectures, such as ensuring compatibility with existing hardware interfaces, managing timing closure issues, and debugging system-level interactions. Coordination with firmware, software, and hardware teams is essential to resolve cross-functional issues and optimize overall system performance. Additionally, adapting to changing requirements or specifications during the development cycle can require quick iteration and strong problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as an FPGA Design Engineer, you need a strong background in digital logic design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and a relevant degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with FPGA development tools like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus, as well as simulation and debugging software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for creating reliable, high-performance FPGA solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Fpga Design Engineer vs Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer?

AspectFpga Design EngineerDigital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, FPGA certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing certifications
Work EnvironmentHardware design labs, FPGA development teamsResearch labs, software development teams
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, telecommunications, embedded systemsAudio, video, communications, radar systems

While both roles involve working with digital systems, Fpga Design Engineers focus on designing and implementing FPGA hardware, whereas DSP Engineers specialize in developing algorithms for digital signal processing. The roles often collaborate but differ in their core focus—hardware versus algorithm development.

Are FPGA Design Engineers in demand?

FPGA Design Engineers are in high demand due to the increasing use of FPGAs in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Their skills in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, along with experience in digital design and verification, are highly sought after as companies seek to develop high-performance, customizable hardware solutions.

How much do FPGA design engineers make?

FPGA design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers with specialized skills in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog and experience with FPGA development tools tend to earn higher salaries.

What does an FPGA Design Engineer do?

An FPGA Design Engineer develops and implements digital logic designs using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). They use hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog to create, simulate, and test circuits, often working with tools such as Xilinx or Intel Quartus. Their work involves optimizing performance, ensuring reliability, and integrating FPGA designs into larger electronic systems.
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Fpga Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fpga Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,608 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Fpga Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

Actalent
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Actalentexternal

$55 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense organization focused on developing cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF systems. This role involves contributing to advanced mission-critical hardware solutions and working across the full design lifecycle in a fast-paced, high-technology environment. The position is based in Illinois and requires obtaining a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement FPGA-based digital logic for advanced defense systems.
  • Create and optimize VHDL code for high-performance, real-time applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware.
  • Participate in integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA designs in lab environments.
  • Document design specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
  • Ensure compliance with defense-industry standards, security requirements, and program objectives.

Essential Skills

  • Full lifecycle FPGA design and development experience.
  • Expertise in VHDL.
  • Proficiency with Xilinx, Intel, or Altera FPGA toolchains.
  • Strong digital logic fundamentals and hardware debugging skills.
  • Ability to work in a classified environment with an active Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in Aerospace & Defense, SATCOM, Infrared systems, or RF-based technologies.
  • Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, DSP blocks, or embedded processing.
  • Understanding of system-level integration in EW or RF systems.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Work Environment

The role focuses on developing high-technology solutions within the defense industry, offering an opportunity to work on mission-critical projects in a collaborative and innovative setting. This is located in Illinois.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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About Actalent

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Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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