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BAE Systems has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 174 workers, most recently March 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

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About the job

Job Description BAE Systems, Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) has an open position for a Principal FPGA Digital Design Engineer!

See what you’re missing. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics – from detecting threats for F-35 pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. We are innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you with a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our mission: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

At BAE Systems, we deliver a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. If you are an individual that enjoys a cohesive team environment and is interested in a variety of challenges across a variety of products, then we are interested in hearing from you!

Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) Hardware Engineering Group is looking for a Principal FPGA Digital Design Engineer to support FPGA designs through all phases of development. The ideal candidate is expected to perform activities including assisting in design architecture, ownership of RTL coding, synthesis, place and route, timing closure, basic test bench development, lab testing, product support and FPGA security.

Current BAE Systems employees are ineligible for sign-on bonuses. Required Education, Experience, & Skills Current Security Clearance (Secret), or eligible to obtain one

6+ years of relevant experience with bachelor’s degree (less with an advanced degree)

Experience in FPGA or ASIC Design / Development, including: VHDL (preferred) or Verilog HDL coding

Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado or Intel/Altera Quartus

Experience with internal logic analyzer (ILA/chipscope/signaltap)

Digital simulation using Modelsim/Questa

Experience with static timing analysis and timing closure

Experience with clock domain crossing techniques

Experience with high-speed interfaces like SERDES, PCIe, DDR2/3/4, LVDS

Familiarity with revision control (GIT, CVS, Clearcase, Subversion, etc.)

Experience generating scripts (Perl, Tcl, Python, shell, etc.)

Strong debug and problem-solving skills

Lab testing support

Strong written and oral communication skills

Self-starter and a good team player

Ability to mentor and willingness to be mentored

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Experience with DSP fundamentals and FPGA implementation

Experience with Matlab/Simulink

Experience dealing with legacy designs

Experience in hardware design and hands-on lab debug

Working knowledge of UVM/SystemVerilog

Working knowledge of Radar systems

Working knowledge of Video/IR processing systems

Working knowledge of stepper motor control

Working knowledge of C/C++

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.