Principal FPGA Engineer II
Alcon
Summary
As a Principal, FPGA Engineer II supporting Research & Development of Alcon's Surgical Instrumentation onsite in Goleta, CA. You will be trusted to assist in the design and development of next-gen surgical camera technology used in eye surgery while collaborating across engineering disciplines and mentoring junior team members.
Job description
In this role, a typical day will include:
- Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write testbenches for functional simulation.
- Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.
- Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.
- Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensors, flash memories, etc.
- Programming embedded processors using C language.
- Organize weekly stand-up meeting and be the technical lead of the team
- Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.
- Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology. Using version control to commit and push firmware code. Performing code review through pull request.
- Writing detailed design documentation.
- Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.
- Creating host computer test tools or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems.
- Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematics and layout.
- Working with software developers for software/hardware interfacing.
- Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers.
- Interacting with other departments within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers.
- Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:
- Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
- The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
- 5 Years of Relevant Experience
- Relocation and Visa Sponsorship: Yes
PREFERRED:
- Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design, including DDR memory interfacing, finite-state-machine-based architectures, and timing optimization through constraint files to achieve timing closure.
- Proficient with major FPGA development environments including Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, and/or Microchip LiberoSoC
- Experienced with FPGA functional simulation tools such as ModelSim or Questa.
- Prior technical lead experience in an FPGA design team.
- Strong programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog; C/C++; Python
- Knowledge of standard communication interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART/RS-232.
- Experience using version controls to maintain and manage code.
- Experience with HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, or equivalent.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and PCB layout.
- Hands-on experience using standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, analyzers and related tools.
- Strong troubleshooting skills at the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) level.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
- The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
- 5 Years of Relevant Experience
- Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design, including DDR memory interfacing, finite-state-machine-based architectures, and timing optimization through constraint files to achieve timing closure.
- Proficient with major FPGA development environments including Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, and/or Microchip LiberoSoC
- Experienced with FPGA functional simulation tools such as ModelSim or Questa.
- Prior technical lead experience in an FPGA design team.
- Strong programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog; C/C++; Python
- Knowledge of standard communication interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART/RS-232.
- Experience using version controls to maintain and manage code.
- Experience with HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, or equivalent.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and PCB layout.
- Hands-on experience using standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, analyzers and related tools.
- Strong troubleshooting skills at the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) level.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement planning
- Paid time off
Company overview
Alcon Inc. is the global leader in eye care, dedicated to helping people see brilliantly. Founded in 1945 as a small pharmacy in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has grown into the world's largest eye care device company with complementary businesses in Surgical and Vision Care. As a Swiss-American multinational corporation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with major operations in Fort Worth, Texas, Alcon operates in 60 countries and serves patients in over 140 countries. The company's Surgical segment focuses on ophthalmic products for cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, refractive laser surgery, and glaucoma surgery, including implantables, consumables, and surgical equipment. The Vision Care segment comprises daily disposable, reusable, and color-enhancing contact lenses, along with a comprehensive portfolio of ocular health products for dry eye, contact lens care, and ocular allergies. With over 75 years of heritage, Alcon has a long history of industry firsts and makes substantial annual investments in research and development to meet evolving customer needs and advance patient care. The company became an independent publicly-traded entity in 2019 after spinning off from Novartis.