Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 31, 2026.
Position Description:
Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community
The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at NRAO is recruiting an experienced Embedded Software FPGA design engineer to work on its digital design team in Charlottesville, VA. The CDL is the largest laboratory in the US dedicated to radio astronomy instrumentation and this position will play a critical role in the development of digital correlators for future telescopes that will help reveal the hidden universe such as gravitational waves, the origins of galaxies, stars, and planet formation, and black holes.
What You Will be Doing:
Performing embedded Linux software design, implementation, simulation, and verification.
Performing research and solving complex technical issues, and work with minimal supervision.
Exhibiting excellent time management skills and an ability to multi-task.
Performing embedded application code development using the AMD/Xilinx Vitis tool flow and Python.
Working well in a team environment.
Work Environment
Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research and development environment. The selectee will report to the Digital Design Team manager. CDL’s digital design team works cooperatively with other design groups in CDL and across NRAO and other international observatories. The selectee may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.
Who You Are:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.
Experience
A minimum of 5 years’ embedded software programming experience within processor-based FPGA devices. Candidates with progressively more responsible experience will be considered for a higher-level position ranking.
Skills and Competencies
Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC/RFSoC Embedded SW Design Experience
Experience with Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto) and Application Code Experience
Experience with AMD Vitis Tool Flow and Board Support Package (BSP) Experience
Proficient in Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto)
Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Processing System (PS) architecture
Preferred Skills and Competencies
Bare metal processing system development is a plus.
Additional Requirements
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.
Occasional travel may be required.
Total Rewards:
Compensation
The starting salary for this position is between $114,000-$162,000. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
Benefits:
Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:
Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
Click Total Rewards for more information.
Application Instructions:
Select the “Apply” button above. You will need to be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected]. PM20