1

Fpga Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, FPGA Location: Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) Department: Engineering Reports To ... Director of Hardware Engineering Picarro is a global leader in precision measurement technology ...

Senior Engineer, FPGA Location: Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) Department: Engineering Reports To ... Director of Hardware Engineering Picarro is a global leader in precision measurement technology ...

FPGA Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$152K - $196K/yr

Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System ... S. Government Security Clearance FPGA Engineer The EndoSec FPGA Engineer is responsible for the ...

FPGA Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $195K/yr

Hardware/Software Design: Work closely with other engineers to integrate FPGA designs with application software and embedded systems. Implement embedded software-based testing solutions where ...

About the role Muon Space seeks a talented FPGA Engineer with RF processing Expertise to join our ... Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration ...

This FPGA Engineer role owns the FPGA hardware logic inside a rover, developing real-time, deterministic avionics logic from initial concept through flight. You will design FPGA architectures, write ...

FPGA Engineer III

Goleta, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Evaluate and select FPGA devices and supporting components that meet system performance ... Collaborate closely with hardware, embedded software, systems, and image processing engineers ...

FPGA Engineer IV

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The engineer partners with cross-functional teams to develop high-performance imaging solutions ... Troubleshoot FPGA designs and resolve hardware and software integration issues. * Select FPGA ...

FPGA Engineer III

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Evaluate and select FPGA devices and supporting components that meet system performance ... Collaborate closely with hardware, embedded software, systems, and image processing engineers ...

FPGA Engineer III

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Collaborate closely with hardware, embedded software, systems, and image processing engineers ... Advanced troubleshooting skills across FPGA, hardware, and embedded software environments.

FPGA Engineer IV

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The engineer partners with cross-functional teams to develop high-performance imaging solutions ... Troubleshoot FPGA designs and resolve hardware and software integration issues. * Select FPGA ...

About the role Muon Space seeks a talented FPGA Engineer with RF processing Expertise to join our ... Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration ...

Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration ... Familiarity with FPGA-based DSP techniques * DPD (Digital Predistortion), beamforming, MIMO, or ...

Collaborate with RF hardware engineers on communications and instrument bring-up, calibration ... Familiarity with FPGA-based DSP techniques * DPD (Digital Predistortion), beamforming, MIMO, or ...

Senior FPGA/DSP Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

Work with FPGA, hardware, motor control, software, data, safety, and systems engineers to understand current and future DSP and processing needs, constraints, and challenges. * Design new and ...

Hardware Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will join femtoAI's hardware team to help design and build our novel ... Familiarity with ASIC or FPGA design flows * Proficiency in Python for scripting and automation

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fpga Hardware Engineer information

What is an FPGA hardware engineer?

An FPGA Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests digital circuits using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). They write hardware description language (HDL) code, such as VHDL or Verilog, to implement complex logic functions. Their work involves simulation, synthesis, and debugging to optimize performance, power, and resource utilization. FPGA engineers often collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate FPGA solutions into larger systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FPGA hardware engineer?

To thrive as an FPGA Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in digital design, VHDL/Verilog programming, and experience with FPGA development boards, usually supported by an electrical engineering or related degree. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim, and hardware debugging equipment is commonly expected, and certification in FPGA design can be a plus. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective development, testing, and deployment of high-performance FPGA solutions within project timelines.

What are some common challenges faced by FPGA hardware engineers, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

FPGA Hardware Engineers often face challenges such as meeting strict timing constraints, optimizing resource utilization, and debugging complex hardware-software interactions. To address these challenges, engineers regularly conduct simulations, use advanced verification methodologies, and collaborate closely with firmware and software teams. Staying up to date with evolving toolsets and best practices is also key to maintaining project efficiency. Working in a multidisciplinary team environment, engineers leverage peer design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to resolve issues effectively and ensure reliable product delivery.

Are FPGA hardware engineers in demand?

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

Do FPGA hardware engineers get paid a lot?

FPGA hardware engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in digital design, hardware description languages, and FPGA development tools. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they are generally higher than average for engineering roles, especially for those with advanced certifications or expertise in high-demand sectors like aerospace or telecommunications.

What are popular job titles related to Fpga Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

For Fpga Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Fpga Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fpga Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Fpga Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Engineer, FPGA

Picarro, Inc

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement FPGA architectures for advanced instrumentation platforms.

  • Develop RTL code using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL and verify FPGA functionality through simulation and debugging.

  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and systems engineers to integrate FPGA designs with embedded processors and communication interfaces.


Job description

Senior Engineer, FPGA

Location: Santa Clara, CA (Onsite)
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Director of Hardware Engineering

Picarro is a global leader in precision measurement technology, developing advanced analytical instruments based on Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS). Our solutions enable customers worldwide to measure greenhouse gases, environmental pollutants, industrial process gases, and isotopic compositions with unmatched sensitivity and accuracy.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior FPGA Engineer to join our engineering team and contribute to the development of next-generation analytical instruments and embedded platforms.

Position Summary

The Senior FPGA Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, and verification of FPGA-based systems used in Picarro's high-performance analytical instruments. This individual will collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, systems, and software engineers to develop robust digital designs that enable precise signal acquisition, processing, control, and communication.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in FPGA architecture, digital signal processing, high-speed interfaces, and embedded system development, along with a strong desire to solve complex engineering challenges.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement FPGA architectures for advanced instrumentation platforms.
  • Develop RTL code using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL.
  • Implement and optimize digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms in FPGA hardware.
  • Design and integrate high-speed communication interfaces, including PCIe, Ethernet, SPI, IC, UART, and SerDes-based protocols.
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers during schematic reviews and board bring-up activities.
  • Develop timing constraints and perform timing closure for complex FPGA designs.
  • Conduct simulation, verification, debugging, and validation of FPGA functionality.
  • Support laboratory testing and troubleshooting using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test equipment.
  • Integrate FPGA designs with embedded processors and firmware components.
  • Participate in architecture reviews and contribute to technical roadmap planning.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on FPGA-related projects.
  • Maintain design documentation and support manufacturing and field teams as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of FPGA development experience in commercial products.
  • Strong proficiency in Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL.
  • Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA development tools (Vivado) and architectures.
  • Experience with Intel/Altera FPGA platforms is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals, including:
    • State machines
    • Clock domain crossing
    • Timing analysis
    • Reset architectures
    • Memory interfaces
  • Experience implementing DSP functions in FPGA hardware.
  • Familiarity with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, Aurora, JESD204, or SerDes technologies.
  • Experience with FPGA simulation and verification tools.
  • Proficiency in laboratory debugging and board bring-up activities.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience with scientific instrumentation, measurement systems, or analytical instruments.
  • Knowledge of digital signal processing, control systems, and data acquisition systems.
  • Experience with embedded Linux environments and ARM-based SoCs.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or scripting languages used for test automation.
  • Experience working in regulated or high-reliability product development environments.
What Success Looks Like
  • Deliver high-quality FPGA solutions that meet performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
  • Drive technical innovation across instrument platforms.
  • Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Contribute to faster product development cycles and successful product releases.
Why Join Picarro
  • Work on industry-leading technology with real-world environmental and industrial impact.
  • Collaborate with a talented and innovative engineering team.
  • Solve challenging technical problems in optics, spectroscopy, electronics, and software.
  • Help develop products that contribute to sustainability and scientific advancement.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $ 160 K to $170K. Our total compensation package includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
  • Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • 401K
  • Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
  • On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals. 

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. atdisabilityassistance@picarro.comfor assistance.