Job Title:
FPGA Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing, implementing, and validating digital systems on Xilinx FPGA platforms using VHDL. You will develop high-performance, reliable hardware solutions that interface with embedded systems, sensors, and control infrastructure. The position offers the opportunity to work on advanced FPGA-based systems with real-world, high-impact applications, contribute directly to hardware innovation and system-level design, and gain exposure to cutting-edge digital design, control systems, and embedded integration. You will have strong growth opportunities into system architecture, advanced FPGA design, or embedded leadership roles while tackling complex engineering challenges with modern toolchains. Responsibilities Design and implement FPGA-based solutions using VHDL, including RTL architecture definition and module-level development. Utilize Xilinx tools such as Vivado, Vitis, and ISE for synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and device configuration. Develop and execute simulations and testbenches to validate design functionality, performance, and corner cases. Perform timing analysis, power optimization, and resource utilization improvements to meet system-level requirements. Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation in lab environments using real hardware platforms. Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams to integrate FPGA designs into complete embedded systems. Document design architecture, implementation details, validation processes, and technical specifications in a clear and maintainable manner. Translate system requirements into efficient, scalable digital designs with strong attention to detail and robustness. Participate in iterative development cycles with a strong emphasis on testing, verification, and continuous improvement. Contribute to cross-functional problem-solving by analyzing issues, proposing solutions, and implementing design improvements. Essential Skills Strong proficiency in VHDL for developing, simulating, and synthesizing RTL designs, including testbench creation and verification. Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA toolchains such as Vivado, Vitis, or ISE for synthesis, timing closure, and debugging. End-to-end FPGA development lifecycle experience from requirements capture through design, simulation, validation, and hardware bring-up. Familiarity with simulation tools such as ModelSim, Questa, or Vivado Simulator for functional and timing verification. Experience with version control systems, particularly Git, for managing FPGA and embedded codebases. Strong analytical and debugging skills for diagnosing design, timing, and integration issues. Effective cross-functional collaboration skills to work with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams. Clear communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts to diverse engineering stakeholders. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. 0-5+ years of FPGA or digital design experience, including relevant academic, project, or professional work. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with C or C++ in the context of embedded systems and firmware integration. Background in embedded systems and embedded firmware development for hardware-software co-integration. Exposure to real-time systems, control systems, or signal processing applications. Experience with hardware/software co-design and integration in complex embedded platforms. Optional FPGA or digital design certifications from recognized training providers. Optional Xilinx-specific training or certifications covering advanced tool usage and device architectures. Demonstrated attention to detail in design, documentation, and verification activities. Interest in growing into system architecture, advanced FPGA design, or embedded leadership roles. Work Environment You will work in a collaborative environment that brings together hardware, firmware, and systems engineering disciplines to deliver integrated solutions. The role involves hands-on lab work for hardware validation, debugging, and bring-up, requiring regular interaction with physical FPGA and embedded platforms. A hybrid or on-site presence is expected to support direct access to lab equipment and hardware resources. Development follows iterative cycles with a strong emphasis on testing, verification, and continuous improvement. The culture is engineering-driven, focused on innovation, precision, and high-quality design practices while encouraging learning and professional growth. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $95.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.