Lead Firmware Engineer

System Development Division (SDD) is focused on delivering National Defense capabilities by driving mission-focused strategies to develop advanced technology systems enabling enduring products and solutions focused on achieving the customer vision. Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. SDD considers the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems.

SDD is seeking 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 the ability to obtain a 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 Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level


• 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

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. 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 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.