FPGA Developer for Xilinx/AMD RFSoC and Versal Adaptive SDR Platforms

FPGA Developer – Xilinx/AMD RFSoC & Versal Adaptive SDR Platforms

Role Overview

We are seeking an FPGA Developer with experience on Xilinx/AMD FPGA platforms to implement high-performance, low-latency digital signal processing pipelines for adaptive SDR and EW systems. This role focuses on RFSoC and Versal RF devices supporting wideband channel emulation, arbitrary waveform generation, and coherent electronic attack techniques.

This position will also contribute to the integration of LEO Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) emulation into Fairwinds’ FPGA-based RF Propagation Channel Emulator. The FPGA Developer will implement real-time, deterministic channel models capturing LEO satellite motion, Doppler shifts, dynamic delay, beam switching, and multi-satellite scenarios. Responsibilities include designing scalable FPGA architectures with DDR-backed buffering and tight timing closure on AMD/Xilinx RFSoC and Versal platforms to support multi-orbit, multi-link LEO NTN emulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement FPGA data paths for high-speed ADC/DAC streaming and DSP chains
• Develop DDR-based capture and replay subsystems for EW and channel emulation
• Integrate RF data converters, hardened DSP IP, and high-speed I/O interfaces
• Support multi-band and multi-antenna SDRH architectures
• Participate in verification, integration, and HW/SW partitioning
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
• Proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL and Vivado/Vitis toolchains
• Experience with Xilinx/AMD RFSoC or Versal platforms
  
  

Security Requirement

• Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, at minimum an active DoD / DoW Secret Security Clearance.
  
  

Why Join Fairwinds Technologies at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD

Fairwinds Technologies is building next-generation adaptive communications, electronic warfare, and space-domain emulation systems directly supporting U.S. Army and DoD mission priorities. Engineers joining our APG team work at the intersection of SDR, FPGA acceleration, AI-enabled adaptability, and space/terrestrial convergence—translating advanced research into operational capability.

At APG, engineers have the opportunity to collaborate daily with Army research labs, program offices, and operational stakeholders, accelerating transition from prototype to fielded system. Roles are hands-on, technically challenging, and structured to maximize individual technical ownership and impact while remaining tightly integrated with a mission-focused multidisciplinary team.

Location & Quality of Life – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Aberdeen Proving Ground offers the advantages of a secure research campus combined with high quality of life and geographic accessibility. APG is located within commuting distance of Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, offering access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining a lower cost of living and shorter commutes than many tech hubs.

The region provides access to waterfront communities, outdoor recreation on the Chesapeake Bay, highly rated schools, and a strong regional technology and defense ecosystem. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Career Growth & Technical Development

Fairwinds invests heavily in the long-term growth of its engineers. Team members are encouraged to deepen technical specialties (DSP, FPGA, EW, SATCOM, AI/ML) while also gaining system-level exposure across RF front ends, baseband processing, and adaptive control layers.

Engineers participate in funded R&D programs, IRAD efforts, and customer-facing demonstrations, with clear pathways to technical leadership roles such as Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, and System Architect.

Work Environment & Benefits

Fairwinds offers a collaborative engineering culture that values technical rigor, disciplined execution, and innovation. Engineers are trusted with responsibility early and are supported with modern development tools, lab access, and realistic program schedules.

Competitive compensation packages include comprehensive benefits, paid time off, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements where mission allows. Work is performed in secure facilities in alignment with DoD security requirements.

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time, exempt position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity