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Fpga Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior FPGA/AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

As a Senior FPGA/AIE Engineer , you will support the development of custom radio platforms for the primary (cellular service link) and secondary (TT&C / feeder link) communication links. The platform ...

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD ...

FPGA Programmer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$88K - $129K/yr

The FPGA Programmer will select and adapt plans, techniques, designs, and layouts; collaborate with personnel across related technical activities to resolve problems and coordinate work; and review ...

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD ...

Showing results 41-60

Fpga Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$84.3K

$146.1K

$196.8K

How much do fpga engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga engineer in Virginia is $146,052.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FPGA engineer?

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits used in a variety of technology hardware that are designed to be programmed after they are manufactured. An FPGA engineer uses Hardware Description Language (HDL) to develop and test the configuration that is programmed into these circuits. They may also be responsible for integrating several FPGAs together to form a more complex working system. Their work results in applications that are useful in a variety of industries and technical settings.

What are some common challenges FPGA engineers face when transitioning a design from simulation to hardware implementation?

One common challenge FPGA Engineers encounter is ensuring that a design, which works well in simulation, functions correctly on actual hardware. Timing constraints, resource utilization, and hardware-specific bugs can arise that were not apparent during simulation. Debugging these issues may require using on-chip debugging tools and working closely with hardware teams to resolve signal integrity or board-level problems. Effective communication and iterative testing are key to a smooth transition from simulation to deployment.

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

To thrive as an FPGA Engineer, you need strong expertise in digital logic design, proficiency in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and typically a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Experience with FPGA development tools (such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus), simulation software, and relevant certifications can be highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully designing, verifying, and deploying reliable and efficient FPGA-based solutions in complex engineering environments.

What is the difference between Fpga Engineer vs Digital Design Engineer?

AspectFpga EngineerDigital Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; FPGA certifications beneficialBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and implementing FPGA hardware in labs or on-siteDesigning digital circuits, FPGA/ASIC hardware, often in similar environments
Industry UsageCommon in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and embedded systemsUsed across electronics, telecommunications, and embedded systems industries

Both roles involve digital hardware design, often overlapping in skills and industry applications. An FPGA Engineer specializes in FPGA development and implementation, while a Digital Design Engineer may work on broader digital circuit design, including ASICs and FPGA hardware. The roles are closely related, with significant overlap in skills and work environments.

Are FPGA engineers in demand?

FPGA engineers are in high demand due to the increasing use of field-programmable gate arrays in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Their skills in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog and experience with FPGA development tools are highly valued, leading to strong job growth and competitive salaries.

What do FPGA engineers do?

FPGA engineers design, develop, and test digital circuits using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). They write hardware description language code, such as VHDL or Verilog, to create custom hardware solutions for applications like communications, aerospace, and embedded systems. Their work often involves simulation, debugging, and optimizing FPGA performance using specialized tools and development environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fpga Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Fpga Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Fpga Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Fpga Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fpga Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fpga Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Fpga Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $146,052 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Principal FPGA Engineer-Ashburn,Virginia

Curtiss-Wright

Lovettsville, VA • On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 496 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/
#LI-YH1
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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