SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Mar 27, 2025 – The Senior FPGA Engineer has experience in high-performance communications systems with a focus on data communications, RF conversion processing, and DOCSIS-related signal processing techniques such as DPD and echo/noise cancellation. This role requires proficiency in RF modulation, receiver sensitivity, and broadband RF design, alongside expertise in MATLAB, RF lab test equipment, and digital/analog filters. The senior engineer is also skilled in managing multiple tasks, leading teams, and mentoring junior engineers while contributing to the full product development life cycle.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Senior FPGA Engineer Resume
  • FPGA Design
  • DSP Design
  • Interface Design
  • Test Board Development
  • Auto Test Systems
  • Electro-Optical Tests
  • Display Calibration
  • C-Model Development
  • Hybrid FPGA Prototyping
  • Performance Optimization
  • Project Management
  • Product Delivery
  • Client Consulting
  • Tech Learning
  • Mentoring
  • International Teams
  • Tech Reviews
  • Project Support
  • Cross-Team Collaboration
  • Customer Specifications

Summary of Senior FPGA Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Electrical Engineering with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience creating digital signal processing solutions (DSP), including the ability to use tools for simulation and coding
  • Experience with scientific and mathematical programming algorithms
  • Proficiency with FPGA technology development platforms
  • Knowledge of electronic test and measurement equipment
  • Self-motivated, quick learner, and excellent analytical skills
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Must be flexible, adaptable, and eager to push technical boundaries
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A solid educational background with an emphasis on DSP designs using FPGA technologies
  • Experience with MATLAB
  • Experience with the latest Xilinx tools and/or Intel FPGA tools
  • Experience in programming using C/C#/C++/Python

2. BS in Computer Engineering with 11 years of Experience

  • FPGA design experience (less may be considered for the ideal candidate)
  • Experience in RTL coding in VHDL and Verilog
  • Experience in using vendor design suites (Xilinx Vivado, Xilinx ISE, and Microsemi Libero)
  • Experience with HDL simulation tools (ModelSim)
  • Experience in delivering compliant solutions against a customer requirement
  • Proficient in written (reports, proposals, white papers) and verbal skills (technical presentations)
  • Experience developing solutions for imaging systems
  • Experience in integration and testing of Electro-Optical imaging systems
  • Experience in the integration of IR focal plane arrays, image processing, and electronics
  • Good understanding of optical imaging systems
  • Good understanding of other engineering disciplines (electronics, test, mechanics, FEA, thermal, safety)
  • Experience working within the defense industry and delivering solutions to the appropriate standards
  • Experience in customer discovery/stakeholder needs, and requirements
  • Good scripting skills (Tcl, Linux)

3. BS in Applied Physics with 9 years of Experience

  • Validated ability as an FPGA/ASIC design engineer
  • Validated technical management of large, sophisticated FPGA devices with area and timing challenges
  • Experience/knowledge outside of FPGA - board and/or embedded software knowledge
  • Outstanding RTL design skills
  • Experience working with IP integration
  • Detailed understanding of back-end constraints and entry into vendor flow
  • Expert-level understanding of clock domain crossing techniques
  • Detailed knowledge of the latest design tools (i.e., Vivado, Quartus)
  • Knowledge of transport system design and related protocols (Ethernet, OTN, etc.) and interface protocols such as PCIe, as well as SPI, I2C, MDIO, etc.
  • Experience working in Verilog/VHDL, SystemVerilog
  • Familiar with UVM verification environments
  • Familiar with scripting languages (Python/Tcl/Perl)
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Highly motivated, creative, and passionate about long-term sustainability
  • Well organized, thorough, and detail-oriented to prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities at the same time.

4. BS in Electronics Engineering with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience with design, implementation, and verification of communication systems for FPGAs (e.g., DDC, Digital Filters, Demodulation, CORDIC, FFT, polyphase, CDR)
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, and HDL-optimized Simulink models
  • Experience with Xilinx Vivado, Xilinx Ultrascale, and/or Versal FPGA families
  • Experience with VHDL or Verilog design entry, constraint, simulation, and synthesis tools
  • Experience with debugging and verification of FPGA-based systems using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.
  • Experience in communication theory
  • Experience in wired/wireless networking protocols and interfaces
  • Experience in high-speed ADC, calibration algorithms, and coherent DSP architectures
  • Experience in high-speed characterization of devices, electrical probe stations, and operation of high-speed and high-frequency test equipment
  • Experience with lasers, detectors, modulators, modems, optical fiber, and devices
  • Ability to provide thought leadership and key input on new initiatives, as well as on programs underway
  • Ability to regularly engage with stakeholders and influence across the organization
  • The ability to evaluate technical trade-offs

5. BS in Robotics Engineering with 10 years of Experience

  • Experience in data communications and physical layer processing related to state-of-the-art high-performance communications systems.
  • Experience with state-of-the-art direct RF conversion processing
  • Experience in DPD, echo/noise cancellation techniques, burst receiver signal processing, and other RF/physical layer processing associated with DOCSIS.
  • Solid experience with RF modulation concepts, BER, Rx sensitivity, Digital/Analog Filters, Broadband RF receiver and amplifier chain design, test methodology, and test equipment.
  • Experience using MATLAB or other analysis and design software.
  • Proficient in the use of RF lab test equipment such as Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal/Modulation Analyzers, and RF Signal Generators.
  • Able to prioritize, organize, and manage many disparate tasks, and push projects and teams to coordinate and execute together
  • Strong leadership, design, and communication skills
  • Proven results of having contributed to the entire product development life cycle.
  • Must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify, address, and resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Strong mentoring and coaching abilities to guide junior engineers and foster their growth.
Relevant Information
FPGA Design Engineer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Senior FPGA Design Engineer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
FPGA Engineer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements