{"id":2376154,"url":"https://alion.io/job/quest-defense-fpgafirmware-engineer","title":"FPGA/Firmware Engineer","company":{"id":618,"name":"Quest Defense","domain":"quest-defense.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/quest-defense","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":10,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-13T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Cedar Rapids, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130000,"max":160000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":160000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Git","optional":false},{"name":"Siemens ModelSim","optional":false},{"name":"Synplify Pro","optional":false},{"name":"SystemVerilog","optional":false},{"name":"Verilog","optional":false},{"name":"VHDL","optional":false},{"name":"Xilinx Vivado","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-05T15:36:18Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-05","last_verified_at":"2026-10-13T15:44:59Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":8,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":8},"description":"Unlock the power of Safety and Mission Critical Engineering with QDSS. We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our elite team- where your expertise will make an impact that matters. Elevate your career in a company dedicated to excellence and the pursuit of safety and mission success. \nQuest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an FPGA/Firmware Engineer to develop and verify complex FPGA solutions for safety-critical aerospace systems. This role spans the full DO-254 Design Assurance Level A lifecycle, including hardware requirements and traceability in DOORS, digital architecture, RTL development in VHDL or Verilog, simulation, timing closure, verification, and certification evidence.\nYou’ll work alongside hardware, software, systems, and verification engineers to solve challenging design problems and deliver high-reliability solutions from initial requirements through hardware validation. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys technically complex FPGA work and the rigor required for mission-critical aerospace programs.\nThis position is based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.\nU.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required. Active Secret clearance is preferred.\nWhat You’ll Do\nArchitect, design, and implement complex FPGA solutions in VHDL or Verilog for safety-critical aerospace applications in accordance with DO-254 DAL A processes.\nDevelop, review, and maintain hardware requirements and bidirectional traceability using DOORS.\nDefine digital circuit architectures and evaluate performance, timing, and FPGA resource tradeoffs.\nPerform RTL simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and timing closure using tools such as ModelSim, Synplify, and Vivado.\nDevelop verification plans, procedures, and testbenches using VHDL or SystemVerilog.\nConduct functional testing, quantitative analyses, and design and verification reviews.\nIntegrate FPGA designs with complex hardware and software systems and support lab bring-up, troubleshooting, and validation on target hardware.\nPerform tool assessments and support tool qualification activities for DO-254 Level A hardware development.\nProduce and maintain design documentation, verification evidence, review records, and requirements traceability matrices.\nCollaborate with electrical, software, systems, and test engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.\nManage design files and revisions using configuration management tools such as Git or Subversion.\nRequired Qualifications: \nBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another applicable engineering or scientific discipline.\n5+ years of related FPGA experience.\nHands-on experience designing and implementing complex FPGA solutions using VHDL and/or Verilog.\nExperience working within a DO-254-compliant development lifecycle, including DAL A rigor and documentation requirements.\nExperience developing, reviewing, maintaining, and tracing hardware requirements in DOORS.\nExperience with FPGA verification planning, testbench development, functional testing, and verification evidence.\nWorking knowledge of digital circuit architecture, FPGA resource tradeoffs, synthesis, timing analysis, and timing closure.\nExperience with FPGA simulation, synthesis, and implementation tools such as ModelSim, Synplify, and Vivado.\nFamiliarity with VHDL- or SystemVerilog-based testbench development.\nExperience with tool assessment or tool qualification activities for safety-critical hardware development.\nExperience using revision-control tools such as Git or Subversion.\nU.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.\nPreferred Qualifications: \nActive Secret security clearance.\nMaster’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.\nExperience supporting a complete DO-254 lifecycle, including formal reviews and certification activities.\nExperience using Python, TCL, or similar scripting languages to automate FPGA development and verification activities.\nHands-on experience with FPGA hardware integration, lab bring-up, debugging, and validation.\nExperience with system-level design, high-speed digital interfaces, communication protocols, or RF/digital communication systems.\nExperience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.\nThe QDSS Advantage: \nAt QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. \nWhat You’ll Find Here \nWork That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. \nGrowth That’s Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. \nA Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. \nBenefits Include \nCompetitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. \n\nFull compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications\nPay Ranges\n$130,000—$160,000 USD\nAt Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry - we’re revolutionizing it.\nQuest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.\nThis policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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