FPGA Development Architect (Freelance Contract)

Location: Remote with occasional travel to Switzerland
Contract Duration: Until December 2026
Engagement Type: Freelance / Contractor

Overview

We are seeking an experienced FPGA Development Architect to support the development of safety-critical embedded systems within a highly regulated engineering environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a contractor with a strong FPGA background and experience delivering complex designs across industries such as rail, aerospace, automotive, defence, or other safety-critical sectors.

The successful candidate will take ownership of FPGA architecture, requirements development, coding standards, verification activities, and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop FPGA architecture for safety-critical applications.
• Capture and manage User Requirements and derive detailed Technical Requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain FPGA designs using VHDL.
• Support simulation, verification, and validation activities using QuestaSim or equivalent simulation tools.
• Produce and maintain comprehensive lifecycle documentation.
• Conduct design reviews and code reviews to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Work closely with systems, software, hardware, and verification teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support traceability and requirements management processes.
• Contribute to design assurance activities within a regulated development environment.
• Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance to project stakeholders.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience as an FPGA Engineer, FPGA Architect, or FPGA Development Lead.
• Strong VHDL coding expertise.
• Experience developing FPGA solutions in a safety-critical environment (Rail, Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, Medical Devices, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with QuestaSim or similar FPGA simulation and verification tools.
• Proven experience creating and managing User Requirements Specifications (URS) and Technical Requirements Specifications (TRS).
• Strong understanding of FPGA development lifecycles and verification methodologies.
• Experience producing detailed technical documentation and maintaining design traceability.
• Demonstrated experience conducting technical design reviews and code reviews.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills.