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Fpga Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA Engineer to join our engineering team in Ashburn, VA. In this senior, hands-on role, you will lead ...

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA Engineer to join our engineering team in Ashburn, VA. In this senior, hands-on role, you will lead ...

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Fpga Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$88K

$128.6K

$168.2K

How much do fpga developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga developer in Virginia is $128,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,060.00 and $150,256.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are FPGA developers?

FPGA developers are engineers who specialize in designing, programming, and testing Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). FPGAs are integrated circuits that can be configured after manufacturing to perform specific hardware functions. FPGA developers use hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog to create digital logic designs for applications such as telecommunications, automotive systems, and signal processing. Their work requires a strong understanding of both hardware and software, as well as experience with simulation and debugging tools.

How does an FPGA Developer typically collaborate with hardware and software teams during a project?

FPGA Developers work closely with both hardware engineers and software developers to ensure seamless integration of programmable logic with the overall system. They often participate in design reviews, clarify interface requirements, and coordinate on timing and resource constraints. Regular communication and joint debugging sessions are common, especially when validating prototypes or troubleshooting system-level issues. This collaborative environment helps to ensure that FPGA solutions meet performance, functionality, and interoperability goals.

What is the difference between Fpga Developer vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectFpga DeveloperHardware Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; FPGA design certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering; often similar certifications
Work environmentDesigning, coding, and testing FPGA hardware and firmware; often in labs or officesDesigning and testing various hardware components, including PCBs and integrated circuits
Employer and industry usageTech companies, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsConsumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors

Both roles require strong electrical engineering fundamentals and similar certifications. Fpga Developers focus specifically on FPGA hardware and firmware design, while Hardware Engineers may work on a broader range of electronic hardware. The work environments and industries overlap significantly, but Fpga Developers specialize in programmable logic devices.

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

To thrive as an FPGA Developer, you need a strong background in digital design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering. Familiarity with FPGA development tools like Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, and simulation environments is crucial, and industry certifications can provide an advantage. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These combined capabilities ensure the delivery of reliable, high-performance hardware solutions that meet complex system requirements.
What job categories do people searching Fpga Developer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Fpga Developer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Fpga Developer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,567 per year, or $61.8 per hour.
Principal FPGA Engineer

Principal FPGA Engineer

Curtiss-Wright

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position
Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA Engineer to join our engineering team in Ashburn, VA. In this senior, hands-on role, you will lead the design and development of FPGA-based solutions for DoD and other stakeholder secure products. The products include VITA standards based VPX modules and custom form-factor boards for DoD sub-systems and systems. You will also mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across projects.
You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and customers, contributing to concept development, FPGA architecture, HDL coding, simulation, prototyping, and product release. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to drive complex projects to completion.
Location: Ashburn, VA / Boston, MA / Nashua, NH
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *
Salary Information: $144,100.00 - 192,100.00 plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer
Your Challenge:
  • Work collaboratively with an Integrated Product Team (IPT) comprised of Program Manager(s), Chief Engineer or Principal Systems Engineer, and several hardware (electrical), FPGA, software, test, component, and manufacturing engineers to bring products from concept through production release. Also support sustaining engineering efforts as needed.
  • As needed, participate in project planning, scheduling, and resource estimation, ensuring timely delivery of designs.
  • As needed, lead FPGA design projects, providing architecture, implementation, and validation guidance.
  • Develop detailed FPGA architectures and specifications for IP blocks.
  • Drive FPGA development from concept through coding, simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation.
  • Perform digital logic design and implement HDL using current FPGA technologies.
  • Verify and validate HDL designs through simulation and hardware testing.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior FPGA engineers.
  • Oversee circuit card development, prototype build, testing, and debugging activities.
  • Contribute to new product development through environmental testing and transition into production.

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
  • 10+ years of FPGA hardware development experience, including high-speed, mixed-signal, or embedded applications at 100/400 Gz data rates.
  • Strong understanding of FPGA design flow, including RTL design (System Verilog, Verilog, or VHDL), simulation, synthesis, and timing closure.
  • Proven problem-solving and debugging skills, with hands-on experience using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.).
  • Experience leading projects or mentoring team members is preferred.
  • US Citizenship is mandatory; Active security clearance is preferred.

Experience/familiarity in the following is an asset:
  • Simulation test benches using Model Sim or Questa
  • Xilinx ISE/Vivado tools
  • Xilinx 7-Series, Zynq MPSoC, Versal Adaptive SoC, UltraScale+
  • Embedded processor design and C software development
  • Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration tools
  • FPGA platforms from AMD (Xilinx), Microchip, or Intel (Altera)
  • Microchip Libero SoC or Intel Quartus
  • Board bring-up and debug (e.g., ChipScope or integrated logic analyzers)
  • High-speed digital design and signal integrity concepts
  • Requirements capture, analysis, and tracking
  • High-speed serial interfaces and related IP
  • TCL or other automation scripting
  • FPGA resource and power estimation tools

Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/
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No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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