FPGA Design Engineer - job 1 of 2

An FPGA Design Engineer at The Boeing Company primarily focuses on developing, debugging, and integrating processor subsystem features within FPGA hardware. Responsibilities include creating FPGA requirements, coding logic designs, generating test benches, and conducting synthesis and timing analysis. You're also expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stay abreast of industry advancements to ensure the use of best practices in digital signal processing and FPGA design.

To qualify for the FPGA Design Engineer role at Boeing, candidates usually need a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science. Additionally, at least 5 years of experience with FPGA design tools and Hardware Description Language (HDL) code development is required. Preferred qualifications include advanced degrees, familiarity with specific software tools, and relevant aerospace design experience.

FPGA Design Engineers at The Boeing Company will work with an array of tools and technologies such as Modelsim, Xilinx Vivado or ISE, Altera Quartus, and Microsemi. Experience with HDL coding in Verilog and knowledge of debugging tools like Synopsis Synplify and NCSim are also highly valued. Familiarity with high-speed serial interfaces like SERDES and various FPGA families is beneficial.

Yes, obtaining a U.S. Security Clearance is a requirement for the FPGA Design Engineer position at The Boeing Company. Candidates will need to be U.S. citizens, and an interim or final U.S. Secret clearance is necessary post-start. This is due to the sensitive nature of the work that the engineers will be engaged in within the defense and security sectors.

The work environment for FPGA Design Engineers at The Boeing Company is dynamic and collaborative, emphasizing teamwork across various engineering disciplines. Given the innovative nature of projects in the defense and aerospace arenas, engineers work in a cutting-edge atmosphere where creativity and technical problem-solving are celebrated, and continuous learning is encouraged.

When discussing your experience with FPGA design tools during an interview, highlight specific projects where you've used tools like Xilinx Vivado or Altera Quartus. Mention your proficiency in functionalities like synthesis, timing analysis, and debugging processes. Explain outcomes of your efforts and how they contributed to the success of your projects.

In answering this question, emphasize the languages you are proficient in, such as Verilog or VHDL. Discuss specific instances where you wrote, tested, and optimized HDL code for FPGA designs. Sharing examples where your coding efforts led to significant performance improvements can demonstrate your skills effectively.

When responding, talk about the resources you utilize, such as industry journals, online forums, and webinars. Mention your participation in professional organizations or conferences focused on FPGA development. Highlighting your continuous learning mindset will show interviewers that you are proactive in keeping your skills and knowledge up to date.

Discuss a systematic approach to debugging, which might include using built-in test (BIT) methods, simulation tools, and hardware debugging techniques. Provide an example of a complex bug you encountered and how your troubleshooting process led to its resolution. Make sure to highlight your analytic skills and attention to detail.

In your answer, select a project that showcases your relevant skills and contributions as an FPGA Design Engineer. Explain the challenges faced, your specific responsibilities, and the outcome of the project. Focus on how your skills and teamwork helped overcome obstacles and deliver successful results.

Timing analysis is crucial in FPGA design to ensure that signals propagate through the design within the specified timing constraints. Discuss how this analysis helps prevent issues like setup and hold violations, which can lead to functionality problems. Offer insight into tools you've used for timing analysis and how thorough analysis improved your designs.

When developing FPGA requirements, consider factors like project objectives, system performance criteria, and interface specifications. Discuss your approach to gathering stakeholder input and iterating on requirements based on technical feasibility. Mention ways you have ensured alignment between stakeholders and technical goals.

BIT refers to self-testing capabilities integrated into the design of FPGAs to streamline verification and fault detection. Discuss your experience in implementing BIT strategies, the benefits you’ve observed in accelerating testing processes, and how you utilized BIT to enhance system reliability in your projects.

Highlight your familiarity with version control systems like GitLab in managing design files and revisions throughout the FPGA development lifecycle. Discuss the importance of documenting changes, maintaining integrity in collaborative settings, and how you've successfully managed configuration control in past projects.

In your response, share strategies you use to prioritize tasks, such as breaking down complex problems into manageable components and utilizing agile methodologies if applicable. Provide examples of past experiences where you effectively met tight deadlines while ensuring quality in your deliverables, showcasing your ability to adapt and manage stress.