Senior FPGA Engineer

At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace and ALTO Aviation under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft. Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.

The Innovative Advantage team specializes in high-performance embedded audio, video, and data distribution systems for private jet aircraft. Our team is dedicated to innovation, creating seamless in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions that make air travel more enjoyable. We take pride in enabling the ultimate passenger experience by delivering reliable, high-quality products trusted by industry leaders.

About the role

We’re looking for a Senior FPGA Engineer to join our team in Kirkland, WA or Addison, TX. This is an on-site position requiring strong technical expertise in Xilinx FPGA development and video/audio processing for real-time 4K+ video delivery in aircraft environments.

Key Details

• Work Days and Hours: Our normal working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, with the flexibility to work a 4x10 (M-TR) or 5x8 (M-F) schedule.

• Location: This is a full-time onsite position located in Kirkland, WA or Dallas, TX. Candidates must be currently located in the greater Seattle, or Dallas/Addison area or willing to relocate.

• Kirkland, WA Compensation: $180,000 to $210,000 per year. Salary will be adjusted based on geographic location.

• Work Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen and authorized to work in the United States.

What you'll do

• Design and implement complex video/audio processing algorithms using Verilog targeting Xilinx devices.
• Implement video pipelines including up/down conversion (4K/UHD, HDR/SDR, scaling, color conversion) and audio processing (IEC 60958 LPCM and IEC 61937 Dolby/DTS, I2S TDM, AES67, CobraNet, Dante, DSP functions).
• Integrate high-speed interfaces (PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, HDMI, SDI).
• Support USB-based 4K video playback in an embedded cabin environment.
• Conduct simulation, verification, and laboratory debugging using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and custom simulations.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams on design partitioning and planning/implementation, board bring-up, timing closure, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, and systems engineering to develop an optimal architecture and develop FPGA requirements
• Analyze and interpret hardware schematics to support integration— no board design required.
• Integrate IP from other FPGA designers and maintain code reuse standards and practices.
• Create thorough design documents, specifications, and interface definitions
• Contribute to existing projects with opportunities to lead new product development in the future.

What will make you successful in this role (skills)

Required Qualifications:

• 8–10+ years of hands-on FPGA development experience.
• Proven expertise with Xilinx FPGAs and related toolchains (Vivado, etc.).
• Strong skills in creating concise and clear code in Verilog targeting Xilinx IP integration.
• Extensive experience with video I/O standards and interfaces: HDMI, DisplayPort, MIPI CSI-2/DSI-2, GMSL, GigE, SDI; integration and customization of vendor/IP cores
• Deep experience with video/audio pipelines, including real-time 4K signal processing and handling digital audio streams.
• Proficiency in high-speed digital design methods and best practices supporting multiple clock domains, AXI streaming and memory-mapped IP interfaces, coherent configuration and status across designs, and clean clock crossings.
• Familiarity with FPGA and processor system co-design (external and on-die hard/soft IP processor architectures). Zynq platform experience is strongly desired.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced, hardware/software integrated environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with video compression/decompression and/or audio resampling/manipulation techniques.
• Understanding of Linux environments, including scripting for FPGA development tools.
• Exposure to DevOps practices in software/firmware CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration skills—comfortable "wearing multiple hats."

Perks and Benefits 

• A competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities to plan for the future with our 401(k) program.
• Paid Time Off - Take the well-deserved time off you need.
• Life Insurance - Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with life insurance coverage.
• Health and wellness benefits including Health Savings Account (HSA) option.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• Positive and inclusive work culture with a laid-back work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexibility in your schedule to accommodate personal needs.

Why Join Us?

• Technical Excellence: Work with experts in embedded systems, audio/video distribution, and aviation technology.
• Innovative Culture: Be part of a team that values curiosity, continuous learning, and creative problem-solving.
• Meaningful Projects: Contribute to next-generation in-flight entertainment and data systems used in luxury aircraft.
• Professional Growth: Expand your skills through mentorship, hands-on development, and exposure to a wide range of technologies.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.