FPGA/Firmware Engineer

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.

Quest 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.

You’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.

This position is based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required. Active Secret clearance is preferred.

What You’ll Do

Architect, design, and implement complex FPGA solutions in VHDL or Verilog for safety-critical aerospace applications in accordance with DO-254 DAL A processes.

Develop, review, and maintain hardware requirements and bidirectional traceability using DOORS.

Define digital circuit architectures and evaluate performance, timing, and FPGA resource tradeoffs.

Perform RTL simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and timing closure using tools such as ModelSim, Synplify, and Vivado.

Develop verification plans, procedures, and testbenches using VHDL or SystemVerilog.

Conduct functional testing, quantitative analyses, and design and verification reviews.

Integrate FPGA designs with complex hardware and software systems and support lab bring-up, troubleshooting, and validation on target hardware.

Perform tool assessments and support tool qualification activities for DO-254 Level A hardware development.

Produce and maintain design documentation, verification evidence, review records, and requirements traceability matrices.

Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and test engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.

Manage design files and revisions using configuration management tools such as Git or Subversion.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another applicable engineering or scientific discipline.

5+ years of related FPGA experience.

Hands-on experience designing and implementing complex FPGA solutions using VHDL and/or Verilog.

Experience working within a DO-254-compliant development lifecycle, including DAL A rigor and documentation requirements.

Experience developing, reviewing, maintaining, and tracing hardware requirements in DOORS.

Experience with FPGA verification planning, testbench development, functional testing, and verification evidence.

Working knowledge of digital circuit architecture, FPGA resource tradeoffs, synthesis, timing analysis, and timing closure.

Experience with FPGA simulation, synthesis, and implementation tools such as ModelSim, Synplify, and Vivado.

Familiarity with VHDL- or SystemVerilog-based testbench development.

Experience with tool assessment or tool qualification activities for safety-critical hardware development.

Experience using revision-control tools such as Git or Subversion.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Active Secret security clearance.

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience supporting a complete DO-254 lifecycle, including formal reviews and certification activities.

Experience using Python, TCL, or similar scripting languages to automate FPGA development and verification activities.

Hands-on experience with FPGA hardware integration, lab bring-up, debugging, and validation.

Experience with system-level design, high-speed digital interfaces, communication protocols, or RF/digital communication systems.

Experience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage:

At 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.

What You’ll Find Here

Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.

Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.

A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$130,000 — $160,000 USD

At 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.

Quest 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.

This 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.