Electronics FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title: Electronics FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Electronics FPGA Design Engineer to design, develop, and integrate electronic modules and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) designs for cutting-edge aerospace and spaceflight projects. You will follow designs through the entire lifecycle-from concept and detailed design to manufacturing, assembly, and testing-while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, project personnel, and engineers from various disciplines. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to contribute directly to mission-critical flight hardware and advanced sensor systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and test electronic modules and FPGA designs for advanced sensors and spaceflight systems.
• Create clear and comprehensive design documentation and deliverables for FPGA designs.
• Support and participate in FPGA code reviews to ensure designs meet NASA standards and project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with software and electrical engineering teams to integrate and test FPGA designs within larger system architectures.
• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of state-of-the-art electronic and FPGA devices used in space missions to inform effective system design choices.
• Conduct functional testing, troubleshooting, and assembly of electronic systems to ensure reliability and performance.
• Integrate cameras, GPS modules, and data-saving systems into electronic and FPGA-based designs.
• Communicate effectively with scientists, project managers, and engineers across avionics, software, thermal/structural, and mechanical design teams to ensure alignment and mission success.
• Work as part of a team of engineers from the electronics design branch, including avionics leads, FPGA designers, and electronic designers, to deliver high-quality flight hardware.
• Collaborate with technicians and interact regularly with software, thermal/structural, mechanical design teams, and project personnel during development and testing.
• Engage with scientists, project managers, and chief engineers to review design progress, resolve technical issues, and support mission objectives.
• Support occasional overtime efforts to meet critical delivery deadlines for flight missions and hardware.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in electronic design and development.
• Hands-on experience using Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) software tools for circuit simulation and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience designing and testing FPGA-based electronic systems.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot and test electronic systems to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive tasks to completion.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong integration skills, particularly with cameras, GPS modules, and data-saving systems.
• Experience working with advanced sensors and spaceflight systems.
• Prior experience with spaceflight hardware is beneficial but not required.
• Familiarity with avionics and electronics design practices for aerospace applications.
• Ability to stay current with emerging technologies and devices relevant to space missions.
• Background or interest in modeling and simulation, data analytics, systems engineering, or flight hardware development.

Work Environment

This role supports the Research, Science and Engineering Services (RSES) contract at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The position is fully onsite, with work performed at the NASA Langley facilities five days per week. You will work in a highly collaborative, engineering-focused environment alongside scientists, engineers, technicians, and project personnel engaged in advanced aerospace and research initiatives. The setting involves access to laboratory spaces, electronic test equipment, and development tools used for designing, assembling, and validating flight hardware and sensor systems. The culture emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and teamwork, with occasional overtime required to meet critical mission and delivery deadlines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.