FPGA Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

Location: Waterdown, Ontario

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Compensation: $102,000–$152,000 CAD

About the Opportunity

Acara Solutions is currently recruiting for an experienced FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading aerospace and defense organization specializing in advanced optical imaging and targeting systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of sophisticated electronic systems used in aerospace, defense, security and search-and-rescue applications.

As part of the FPGA Design team, you will play an important role in new product development, creating reliable digital designs and working closely with electrical engineering, verification and other technical teams throughout the development process.

We are looking for an engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work, solving complex design challenges and collaborating with talented professionals to develop innovative solutions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and develop FPGA-based digital solutions using VHDL.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) projects, from initial design through implementation and testing.
• Perform FPGA simulation using Questa Sim to validate design functionality.
• Utilize Xilinx development tools for synthesis, implementation, debugging and timing closure.
• Integrate reusable FPGA modules into larger system-level designs.
• Perform hardware verification, testing, troubleshooting and debugging.
• Collaborate with verification engineers to support testing and validation activities.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical input throughout the development lifecycle.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, technical specifications and development records.
• Provide regular updates on FPGA development progress during project meetings.
• Support existing products by investigating technical issues and contributing to ongoing improvements.
• Work with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure FPGA designs integrate effectively into larger electronic systems.
• Follow established engineering processes, design standards and coding guidelines.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent, with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; OR a graduate degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience; OR at least 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong hands-on FPGA design and development experience.
• Proficiency in VHDL for digital design.
• Experience with Xilinx development tools for FPGA synthesis, implementation, debugging and timing closure.
• Experience with FPGA simulation and verification tools such as Questa Sim.
• Strong understanding of digital design principles and FPGA development processes.
• Experience with hardware integration, testing and debugging.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and develop reliable, well-documented engineering solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to meet the requirements of Canada's Controlled Goods Registration Program and eligibility for Canadian government security clearance.

What Sets You Apart

• Knowledge of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques.
• Experience with digital or analog video technologies.
• Experience using MATLAB for algorithm development.
• Familiarity with DO-254 or other standardized safety-critical development processes.
• Experience developing FPGA-based solutions in aerospace, defense or other complex electronic systems.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $102,000 to $152,000 CAD.
• Full benefits package.
• A 9/80 work schedule.
• Opportunity to contribute to advanced aerospace and defense technology.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to new product development and ongoing technical innovation.
• Potential relocation assistance for an ideal candidate.

Interested in learning more?

If you have a strong background in FPGA design and enjoy working on complex electronic systems, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today or connect with our recruitment team to learn more about this opportunity.