TheLead Engineer willberesponsible forpreparing, configuring,validating, andmaintainingFPGA development and test boardfarmused acrossfirmwareandembeddedsoftware developmentand validationteams.
This role ensures that all boards and associated hardware infrastructures are production-ready to support tool development, regression testing, compiler validation flows, and early silicon enabling.
The engineer partners closely with FPGA Design Tools developers, Hardware Engineering, Validation, and Lab Operations to guarantee a robust, scalable, andhighly reliableboard environment.
The successful candidate will be part of the Altera Software and IP Solutions (SIPS) Team.
Why this Role Matters?
TheLead Engineerplays a criticalandfoundational rolein leading and driving our Next Generation Board Farm that is scalable to support our customer obsessed culture. Although the work may appear “behind the scenes,” nothing in the FPGA toolchain ecosystem can function reliably without this role.
Moreover, the work directlyimpactsproduct quality and customer experience. Stable, validated softwarecomponentleads to higherreliability, fewer customer issues, and faster support turnaround. Every improvement they make silently enhances theend-userexperiencewith AlteraFPGAs.
Thecandidateis the silent force enabling every SIPS engineer - from firmware to embedded solutions - to innovate, test,validate, and ship world class FPGA solutions.
Key Responsibilities
FPGA Board Bring-Up and Configuration
Development Tools Integration
Set up boards thatinterface withFPGA development tool flows, includingcompiler front-end and back-end flows, assembler, fitter, timingenginesand board-aware compiler features
Validate board readiness for automation pipelines, nightly regressions, and release qualification
Board Validation & Debug
Perform initial board validation (power-on checks, rail measurements, temperature profiling).
Run smoke tests and functional validation using board test suites, IP testcases, and tool-generated designs.
Debug board-related failures using test equipment such asJTAG chain diagnosticsand busanalysers
Support issue reproduction for debugging by development teams
Automation & Continuous Integration Support
Create or enhance automation scripts (Python, Bash, TCL, PowerShell) forautomated board programming, power cycling, error logging, firmware/config file deployment
Support integration of boards into CI/CD systems and test flow automation stack including but not limited to enabling hard reset, soft reset, power cycle flows
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
Silicon Engineeringfor early-silicon board enablement
Validation & QA teamsto ensure regression reliability
Board Design and Manufacturingto evaluate new revisions and prototypes
Communicate board-level issues clearly with logs, instrumentation data, and reproducible steps
Debug and triage any test flow failures with test/validation owners, andidentifyfailure points and debug options
Create a reference debugging methods and steps for test flow owners to distinguish between hardware/board or infrastructure failures with test flow failures
Bachelor’s in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering or related discipline.
At least 6-8+years of experience hands-on experience in firmware or embedded system validation.
Experience with FPGA development boards (preferablyAlteradevices).
Hands-on experience with Quartus Prime, JTAG tools, and board setup workflows.
Ability to read schematics, interpret power distribution networks, and understand board documentation.
Familiarity with oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power meters, and logicanalysers.
Strong problem-solving and root-cause-analysis skills.
Highly organized and methodical in tracking boards and configurations.
Excellent communication skills for reporting issues to cross-functional engineering teams.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for enabling stable, scalable, and automated FPGA development workflows.
Added advantages,
Experience with PCIe, DDR4/DDR5, Ethernet, HPS, or high-speed transceiver bring-up
Experience supporting compiler or software development teams using FPGA hardware.
Understanding of
altera