Senior HDL Systems Architect

Summary

We are looking for a Senior HDL Systems Architect to help shape the future of our advanced RF systems. This isn’t just a hands-on FPGA development role. We’re looking for someone who has grown from a strong HDL developer into a strategic systems thinker - someone who can look at the big picture, understand tradeoffs, and lead architectural design.

You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to architect, develop, and refine high-performance digital systems across diverse RF and antenna applications. You should thrive in a collaborative, engineering-driven culture and enjoy working in a fast-paced R&D environment where you have real impact on fielded products.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and implement system-level digital signal processing and control solutions using HDL (Verilog, VHDL, or similar).
• Lead design decisions from initial requirements through to system integration and validation.
• Collaborate with RF, embedded software, and hardware teams to design cohesive and efficient systems.
• Provide mentorship to junior HDL developers and help drive technical excellence across the team.
• Own design documentation, simulation, and testing strategies at both the module and system level.
• Evaluate trade-offs and component selection during architectural design phases.
• Work with build systems and Linux environments to support hardware bring-up and integration.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office and laboratory. This role routinely uses laboratory equipment such as vector network analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Must be able to lift 25 pounds and use a ladder with overhead lifting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at least 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:am-5pm; however, these hours will vary based on workload and the manager’s discretion. This job may require more than 40 hours of work per week as the need arises.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

About FIRST RF

FIRST RF is a fast-growing, multi-discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies - specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world-class facilities and resources. We promote a culture which prioritizes innovation and responsiveness. By making bold investments in the development of groundbreaking technologies, FIRST RF has fielded award-winning products ranging from revolutionary passive antennas to highly complex, active antenna systems.

Benefits Summary

We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing eq