STR’s Cyber Division is hiring a Lead Firmware Engineer to implement complex system algorithms and interfaces in FPGAs for Radar and EW systems. Applicable projects span all levels of maturity from initial concept generation through design, prototype, development, test, and transition to production. In this role, you will implement, test, and verify designs through simulation and lab test. These FPGA designs could include signal processing across very wide bands, high data rate interfaces, serial interfaces, and complex control logic.
Additionally, you will support the effort to evaluate current and future system capabilities, identify improved applications and techniques, and ultimately recommend solutions. This position requires skills in working with multidisciplinary teams, supporting development and test activities, as well as technical proficiency in relevant technologies. Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical skills are also required. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and individual contributors on the program team through strong written and verbal communication skills.
What you will do:
- Mapping system-level requirements and objectives to FPGA specifications
- Validating designs with simulation and verification techniques before hardware integration
- Participating in FPGA development process improvement
- Supporting full life cycle of development and integration of FPGA firmware into hardware systems
- Creating and maintaining design documentation and test plans
- Delivering technical briefings to a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Coordinating with program managers and technical leads to manage task schedules and budgets
- Providing mentorship to more junior engineers to accelerate their technical and professional development
- Building and maintaining high-performing and empowered technical teams
Who you are:
- This position requires an Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of applicable experience, a Master’s degree and at least 5 years of applicable experience, or PhD and at least 2 years of applicable experience. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience with FPGA and SoC design entry using Verilog or VHDL
- Experience with design flow for Xilinx and/or Intel FPGAs
- Experience with simulation tools such as ModelSim/Questa, VCS, or Incisive
- Demonstrated desire to successfully pursue new challenges, improve and broaden technical skills, seek greater responsibilities, and increase individual value to the organization
- Capable of effectively working in a team environment, often under tight deadlines
Nice to Haves:
- Active Top Secret Security Clearance
- Proficient with Xilinx or Altera SoC platforms
- Proficient with FPGA or ASIC RTL design entry
- Strong background and experience with industry best practices and version control
- Proficient with complex timing closure
- Experience with Matlab, Python, or C/C++
- Experience with interfacing to high speed DACs and ADCs
- Experience with Digital Signal Processing
- Understanding of RF Systems, specifically radar or EW
- Experience performing FPGA reverse engineering work within a team to identify behavioral details of an application
- Experience modeling, testing, and documenting reverse engineering findings using hardware modeling and simulation platforms
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $173,000 - $216,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Final offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship required for government clearance eligibility
- Bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of applicable experience, Master's degree with at least 5 years, or PhD with at least 2 years; equivalent experience considered
- Experience with FPGA and SoC design entry using Verilog or VHDL
- Experience with Xilinx and/or Intel FPGA design flows
- Experience with simulation tools such as ModelSim, Questa, VCS, or Incisive
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment under tight deadlines
- Proficiency with Xilinx or Altera SoC platforms
- Proficiency with FPGA or ASIC RTL design entry
- Experience with industry best practices and version control
- Experience with complex timing closure
- Experience with Matlab, Python, or C/C++
- Experience interfacing with high-speed DACs and ADCs
- Experience with digital signal processing
- Understanding of RF systems, radar, or electronic warfare
- Experience performing FPGA reverse engineering
- Experience modeling, testing, and documenting reverse-engineering findings using hardware modeling and simulation platforms
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are highlighted by a 401(k) with a 4% company match plus a 6% profit-sharing contribution, which can materially boost total rewards if paid as advertised. This combination stands out repeatedly as a core strength of the package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical and dental insurance, STR-paid vision, employer HSA/HRA contributions, and company-paid life and disability insurance. Mental-health, financial counseling, and an employee assistance program add breadth to the core protections.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents is offered alongside PTO and company holidays. Dependent-care options and commuter and wellness perks further support family and lifestyle needs.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
