Principal FPGA Engineer II

About the role

Alcon is seeking a Principal FPGA Engineer II to join the Research & Development team for surgical instrumentation in Goleta, California. The engineer will lead the design of next‑generation surgical camera systems, creating high‑performance FPGA logic and embedded firmware that drive advanced imaging capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop FPGA logic in VHDL/Verilog and write testbenches for functional simulation.
• Create and manage timing constraints to achieve timing closure on complex designs.
• Design image‑processing pipelines that interface with DDR memory and high‑resolution sensors.
• Integrate FPGA with external peripherals such as temperature sensors, flash memory, and communication interfaces.
• Program embedded processors in C/C++ and validate hardware through UART/RS‑232, J‑TAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Maintain firmware using Agile methodology, version‑control systems, and code‑review processes.
• Automate build and test environments with scripting and develop host‑side test tools in C/C++ or Python.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on board schematics/layout and with software developers on system integration.
• Mentor junior FPGA engineers and coordinate with vendors and field application engineers.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of hands‑on FPGA design experience.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Required skills

• VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog.
• C and C++ programming.
• Python scripting.
• FPGA development tools: Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, Microchip LiberoSoC.
• Simulation tools: ModelSim, Questa.
• DDR memory interfacing and timing optimization.
• Standard interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART/RS‑232.
• Version‑control systems (e.g., Git) and Agile development practices.