ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fpga Reverse Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

i3

Power Distribution Engineer

Washington, DC

$103K - $181K/yr

... TVS/ESD, reverse polarity, inrush control). * Select and integrate power components (DC/DC ... embedded C/C++, FPGA/PLC, or scripting). * Experience with high-current / higher-voltage ...

previous page

Showing results 41-44

All JobsFpga Reverse Engineer JobsFpga Reverse Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Fpga Reverse Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$85.3K

$141.8K

$202.9K

How much do fpga reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga reverse engineer in Reston, VA is $141,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,600.00 and $185,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an FPGA reverse engineer do?

An FPGA Reverse Engineer specializes in analyzing, understanding, and reconstructing the functionality of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) designs, often without access to original documentation or source code. Their work involves extracting bitstreams, interpreting logic functions, and sometimes recovering or modifying firmware for security analysis, legacy system support, or hardware research. This role requires a strong background in digital design, hardware description languages (HDLs), and embedded systems.

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

To thrive as an FPGA Reverse Engineer, you need a solid background in digital logic design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with FPGA development tools (like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus), logic analyzers, and decompilation or reverse engineering software is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you unravel complex designs and communicate findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for accurately understanding, replicating, or securing FPGA-based systems in critical hardware environments.

What are the common challenges faced by FPGA reverse engineers when analyzing proprietary bitstreams or undocumented hardware designs?

FPGA Reverse Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited documentation, proprietary or obfuscated bitstream formats, and complex hardware abstraction layers. Disassembling and interpreting bitstreams without clear reference material requires a strong understanding of digital logic, FPGA architecture, and embedded systems. Collaboration with other hardware engineers and leveraging specialized reverse engineering tools are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring accurate analysis.

What is the difference between Fpga Reverse Engineer vs FPGA Design Engineer?

AspectFpga Reverse EngineerFPGA Design Engineer
Required SkillsHardware analysis, reverse engineering, FPGA protocolsFPGA development, HDL coding, digital design
Work EnvironmentSecurity, defense, embedded systemsConsumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace
CertificationsOften none specific, but security clearances may be neededFPGA/ASIC design certifications, e.g., Xilinx or Intel certifications

While both roles involve working with FPGA technology, Fpga Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing and understanding existing FPGA designs, often for security or troubleshooting purposes. FPGA Design Engineers create new FPGA hardware solutions from scratch, emphasizing development and implementation. Both roles require strong FPGA knowledge but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Fpga Reverse Engineer job openings:

Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fpga Reverse Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,785 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Power Distribution Engineer

Washington, DC • On-site

Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)external

$103K - $181K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview

We’re seeking a Power Distribution Engineer to design and implement reliable power architectures for complex electronics and test systems. You will own power sequencing (voltage rail order, timing, and interlocks), PCB-level power distribution, and relay/contactor control logic to ensure safe bring-up, robust operation, and clean shutdown across electro-mechanical assemblies.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys practical design ownership – requirements to schematic/PCB, build and debug – and who is comfortable working across analog power, digital control, and system integration.

Pay Range $103,000 - $181,000

The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

Responsibilities
  • Design power distribution and sequencing architectures for multi-rail systems (define rail order, timing, dependencies, and safe-state behavior).
  • Develop relay/contactor control logic and interlocks (hardware + firmware/logic as applicable) to support controlled power-up/down, fault isolation, and emergency-off behaviors.
  • Create schematics and PCB layouts for power distribution, load switching, and protection circuits (fusing, current limiting, TVS/ESD, reverse polarity, inrush control).
  • Select and integrate power components (DC/DC converters, LDOs, hot-swap/controllers, power monitors, relays/contactors, connectors, harnessing).
  • Implement and validate power health monitoring: voltage/current sensing, sequencing status, fault flags, and telemetry for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
  • Perform bring-up and debug using lab instrumentation (oscilloscope, DMM, current probes, power analyzers, electronic loads); characterize transients, inrush, droop, and EMI contributors.
  • Define and execute verification plans for sequencing and safety requirements; develop test procedures and acceptance criteria.
  • Support system integration: grounding/bonding strategy, cable/harness design, connector pinouts, and environmental/field readiness considerations.
  • Document designs and changes clearly: schematics, layouts, timing diagrams, logic truth tables/state machines, and troubleshooting guides.
Qualifications
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience designing power distribution and sequencing for multi-rail electronics (startup/shutdown timing, dependencies, and fault behavior).
  • PCB design experience (schematic capture + layout) for power and mixed-signal boards.
  • Hands‑on experience with relay/contactor or load‑switch control and protection (inrush, fusing, current limiting, isolation).
  • Strong debugging skills with standard lab tools; ability to diagnose intermittent and transient power issues.
  • Comfort working with requirements, producing documentation, and collaborating with firmware/test/mechanical teams.
Nice to have
  • Experience with power management ICs (PMICs), sequencing controllers, and power monitors.
  • Firmware or programmable logic experience for relay control and power state machines (embedded C/C++, FPGA/PLC, or scripting).
  • Experience with high‑current / higher‑voltage distribution (e.g., 28 VDC, 48 VDC, or kV) and safety standards/practices.
  • EMI/EMC awareness for power systems (layout practices, filtering, grounding/shielding, conducted emissions mitigation).
  • Experience with configuration control and manufacturing test bring‑up; writing procedures and work instructions.
Security requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI
Benefits
  • Excellent insurance coverage
  • 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO
  • Health and wellness incentives
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply