<p>Kforce has a client that is seeking a Senior FPGA Design Engineer in San Jose, CA.</p> <p>Summary: A technology-focused organization is seeking a highly skilled FPGA and Hardware Development Engineer to lead the design and implementation of FPGA and embedded processor solutions for advanced optics systems. This role involves defining system-level requirements, developing embedded hardware architecture, and delivering high-performance, real-time digital designs. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, hands-on, and thrive in a dynamic, hardware-centric engineering environment.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Lead the complete FPGA and embedded processor development lifecycle, from concept through implementation, for high-performance optics systems </li><li>Design and implement FPGA architectures using Verilog HDL, perform simulations, develop testbenches, and execute timing analysis to ensure functional and performance validation </li><li>Integrate FPGA logic with embedded processors and associated subsystems, including the development of custom communication protocols and interfaces </li><li>Design embedded processor boards, including component selection, schematic capture, digital circuit design, and printed circuit board (PCB) layout </li><li>Create and execute detailed hardware test plans for board bring-up, system debugging, and performance optimization </li><li>Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test procedures, and verification reports </li><li>Contribute to cross-functional hardware system architecture and design reviews </li><li>Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, and software engineers to meet technology, performance, and timeline goals </li><li>Develop and support a robust FPGA development environment and collaborate with DevOps to enhance build, release, and test automation processes* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline; a Master's degree is preferred, particularly with a focus on optics, digital signal processing, or related areas </li><li>At least 8 years of professional experience in FPGA and embedded systems development </li><li>Experience in implementing signal processing algorithms and fixed-point arithmetic techniques </li><li>Experience working with high-speed differential data and serial peripheral interfaces </li><li>Competence in schematic capture and PCB design tools, particularly Altium Designer; Experience with complex, high-density multi-layer board designs is preferred </li><li>Deep understanding of digital design principles with expertise in Verilog HDL, synthesis, and timing closure </li><li>Familiarity with embedded processor integration and real-time operating systems </li><li>Proficiency with FPGA development platforms such as Lattice (preferred), Xilinx, or equivalent </li><li>Proficiency in scripting languages, with a preference for Python; Experience in developing C/C++ or Python-based libraries for hardware systems is advantageous </li><li>Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities across both hardware and software domains </li><li>Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary engineering teams </li><li>Proven capability in designing and integrating low-level hardware interfaces (LVDS, MIPI, SPI, I2C, and custom) </li><li>Knowledge of optical system architecture and implementation is highly desirable </li><li>Experience with optical testing and characterization is a significant plus </li></ul>