Principal FPGA Design Engineer
FilledJob Description
Location: Cambridge, MA (Hybrid – Minimum 3 Days Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $95,000 – $245,000 (Base Salary, DOE)
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance required
About Draper
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development organization headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With more than 2,000 engineers and scientists, Draper delivers mission-critical solutions across national defense, space exploration, biomedical engineering, and advanced technology systems—where lives often depend on success.
Our multidisciplinary teams thrive in a collaborative environment that fuels innovation and real-world impact.
Learn more at www.draper.com
Role Overview
Draper is seeking a Principal FPGA Design Engineer to join our Digital Design team. This senior-level role focuses on FPGA architecture, design, simulation, verification, and system support, with direct involvement in embedded FPGA SoC development.
You will operate as both a technical leader and hands-on engineer, contributing to advanced designs while mentoring junior engineers and influencing program direction.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate system and project requirements into robust FPGA and hardware architectures
- Design and integrate FPGA-based systems, including microprocessors, power, and analog components
- Lead architecture, design, simulation, verification, and design closure (timing, power, area)
- Build and debug prototypes; support testing, documentation, and manufacturing readiness
- Independently solve complex technical problems and guide projects with evolving requirements
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for advanced FPGA and ASIC architectures
- Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies at the program and system level
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines, program leadership, and customers
- Mentor and guide less experienced engineers; develop and teach best practices
- Support proposal development and business development initiatives
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field
- 7–10+ years of FPGA or digital hardware design experience
- Fluency in Verilog and/or VHDL
- Strong experience with FPGA architecture, development, and verification
- Proficiency with Xilinx Vivado and/or Microsemi Libero
- Digital simulation experience using ModelSim or Questa
- Experience with design closure for SWaP-constrained systems
- Embedded FPGA SoC development experience (required)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and lead multi-disciplinary efforts
Preferred / Plus Skills
- Experience with DSP algorithm implementation in hardware
- High-speed interfaces: SERDES, PCIe, DDR2/3/4, LVDS
- Hardware security concepts
- Image or signal processing systems
- MATLAB / Simulink
- UVM (testbench and verification)
- Hands-on lab debug experience
- Scripting languages (Python, Tcl, etc.)
- Experience mentoring engineers and working with verification teams
Work Environment
- Hybrid schedule: Minimum 3 days onsite per week
- Collaborative, research-driven engineering culture
- High-impact programs with national importance
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $95,000 – $245,000 (based on role, experience, and location)
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
- Work-life balance programs and flexible workplace options
- Employee clubs, wellness programs, and professional development
- Inclusive, mission-driven culture
Note: Salary range reflects base pay only and excludes bonuses and benefits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Draper is committed to building an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
