FPGA Engineer Intern

North Logan, UT - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job ID: 6738
Date Posted: March 5 2026

The C4ISR Systems Division at the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) delivers mission-critical solutions in cyber operations information architecture strategic deterrence and ISR. We specialize in modular open architecture designs that integrate multiple data sources enable tactical network communication and deliver outputs to diverse user interfaces.

SDL is also a leader in advanced embedded and hardware-accelerated computing collaborating with government partners to develop high-performance secure digital systems. These efforts include FPGA-based processing real-time data handling and hardware/software co-design to support mission success.

This position has the potential of continued employment or transition to student/full-time employment requiring security clearance eligibility.

Position Description
We are seeking a motivated FPGA Firmware Engineering Intern to join our team for the summer of 2026. In this role you will assist in the design development and testing of FPGA firmware supporting secure high-performance embedded systems. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience in digital design while contributing to mission-critical solutions in defense and national security.

Key Responsibilities
Assists in the design implementation and verification of FPGA firmware using hardware description languages (VHDL Verilog or SystemVerilog)
Supports the development and maintenance of simulation and testbench environments
Assists in creating and maintaining technical documentation including design descriptions timing diagrams interface definitions and test reports
Collaborates with cross-functional teams including systems engineers software developers and government customers to support system integration
Supports implementation of digital interfaces and protocols (e.g. SPI I2C UART Ethernet)
Learns about FPGA development processes including RTCA/DO-254
Assists in configuration management and version control of firmware artifacts

Required Qualifications
Currently pursuing a bachelors or masters degree in a related technical field e.g. electrical engineering computer engineering computer science or a closely related discipline
Coursework or project experience in digital logic design and computer architecture
Familiarity with at least one HDL (VHDL Verilog or SystemVerilog)
Academic or project experience with FPGA development simulation or digital system design
Basic understanding of combinational/sequential logic finite state machines and timing concepts
Basic understanding of Git and remote repositories such as GitHub GitLab or equivalent
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
Internship research or academic project experience involving FPGA or embedded systems development
Experience with FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado Intel Quartus or Microchip Libero
Exposure to simulation tools such as ModelSim Xcelium or Verdi
Familiarity with embedded processors (ARM MicroBlaze) and hardware/software integration
Experience with digital communication protocols and high-speed interfaces
Knowledge of basic signal integrity timing analysis and constraints development
Exposure to configuration management automated testing or continuous integration for firmware

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites sensors and instruments ground systems and data processing and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers scientists technicians and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL we strive to uphold a culture of respect collaboration empowerment and accountability. We listen with open minds seek to understand diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge involving others and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership act with integrity and be accountable. Above all we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.