About this role
Brooks is a leading provider of automation solutions with over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, offering precision robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination control solutions that empower chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions, including robots, vacuum systems, and atmospheric robots for semiconductor manufacturing (www.brooks.com).
Are you looking for a place where you can be part of a transformation? Join us at Brooks Automation and be a part of a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of technology.
Senior FPGA Programmer
Job Description Senior FPGA Engineer – Real-Time Control, Vision & Distributed Systems Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Senior FPGA Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and implementation of advanced FPGA-based systems for next-generation motion control, machine vision, and distributed automation platforms. This role will focus on developing ultra-low-latency FPGA architectures supporting:
• High-speed sensor acquisition • Real-time image processing • Multi-axis motion control • Distributed EtherCAT-based control networks • Precision electromagnetic actuation systems • Hardware acceleration of computationally intensive algorithms The ideal candidate combines deep FPGA expertise with strong system-level understanding of controls, sensors, embedded systems, and real-time deterministic architectures. The role provides significant opportunity to influence product architecture, contribute to intellectual property development, and drive breakthrough performance in advanced automation platforms.
Key Responsibilities FPGA Architecture & Development Lead development of FPGA-based systems including:
• Real-time control architectures • Sensor acquisition pipelines • High-speed communication interfaces • Hardware acceleration engines • Multi-channel synchronized processing systems Design and implement:
• HDL-based designs using VHDL and/or Verilog/SystemVerilog • Modular and reusable FPGA architectures • Deterministic low-latency processing pipelines • Multi-clock domain systems • High-bandwidth data movement architectures Develop FPGA solutions for:
• Motion control • Precision positioning systems • Machine vision • High-speed metrology • Electromagnetic actuator control
Motion Control & Real-Time Systems Develop FPGA implementations supporting:
• High-bandwidth control loops • Current control loops • Position and velocity control • Multi-axis synchronized motion • Deterministic distributed control architectures Implement:
• PWM generation • Encoder interfaces • Real-time feedback processing • State-space and advanced control algorithms • Control loop acceleration Support architectures capable of:
• Sub-millisecond closed-loop response • Hundreds of synchronized control channels • Distributed real-time execution
Machine Vision & Sensor Processing Design FPGA pipelines for:
• High-speed camera interfaces • Real-time image acquisition • Marker extraction and tracking • Edge detection and feature extraction • Sensor fusion architectures Develop real-time processing solutions for:
• Gigabit Ethernet Vision • MIPI interfaces • Camera Link • CoaXPress • Custom sensor interfaces Implement:
• DMA architectures • Frame buffering • Hardware image processing accelerators • Deterministic vision-processing pipelines
High-Speed Data & Communication Systems Develop FPGA-based communication architectures including:
• EtherCAT • SPI • Parallel SPI • UART • CAN • PCIe • Gigabit Ethernet • Multi-Gigabit SerDes Design:
• Distributed synchronization architectures • Precision timing systems • Networked FPGA platforms • Multi-node control systems Support scalable architectures capable of coordinating large numbers of distributed devices.
Hardware Integration & Board Bring-Up Collaborate closely with:
• Electrical engineers • Controls engineers • Mechanical engineers • Software engineers • Systems architects Support:
• FPGA board selection • SoC architecture development • Hardware bring-up and validation • Signal integrity debugging • Power and thermal optimization Interface with:
• ADCs • DACs • Sensors • Power electronics • Motor drivers • High-speed memory systems
Performance Optimization Lead efforts to optimize:
• FPGA resource utilization • Latency • Throughput • Memory bandwidth • Determinism • Power consumption Create automated test environments for:
• Functional verification • Hardware-in-the-loop validation • Timing closure verification • Production readiness testing
Innovation & Technical Leadership Drive technical innovation through:
• Patent disclosures • Intellectual property creation • Architecture reviews • Technical mentoring • Best-practice development Contribute to next-generation:
• Control architectures • Vision systems • Motion control platforms • AI-assisted hardware acceleration
Required Qualifications
• B.S., M.S., or PhD in: • Electrical Engineering • Computer Engineering • Robotics • Controls Engineering • Related technical discipline
• 8+ years of FPGA development experience • Expert proficiency with: • VHDL • Verilog/SystemVerilog • FPGA design methodologies
Strong experience with one or more FPGA families:
• AMD/Xilinx • Intel/Altera • Lattice Demonstrated experience developing:
• Real-time FPGA control systems • High-speed sensor interfaces • Hardware accelerators • Multi-channel synchronized processing architectures Strong understanding of:
• Digital signal processing • Control systems • Motion control • Hardware/software partitioning • Timing closure methodologies Experience with:
• Simulation and verification • Testbench development • Hardware debugging • Lab instrumentation
Preferred Qualifications Experience in:
• Precision motion control systems • Semiconductor equipment • Robotics • Advanced automation • Machine vision Knowledge of:
• EtherCAT networks • Distributed controls • Sensor fusion • Computer vision acceleration • FPGA-based image processing Experience implementing:
• Kalman filtering • State estimation • Motor control • Electromagnetic actuator control • Real-time control loops Familiarity with:
• MATLAB/Simulink • Python • C/C++ • Embedded Linux Experience with:
• Zynq SoCs • PCIe architectures • High-speed memory interfaces (DDR4/DDR5) • Multi-gigabit serial transceivers
Compensation Base Salary Range: $118,265.18 USD to $160,005.83 USD Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
Benefits
At Brooks, we offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.
Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.
Work Location & Flexibility At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in-office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.
Brooks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and proudly serves as an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Diversity enhances our innovative capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively. At Brooks Automation, we celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives each individual brings, believing they are essential to our collective success. Join us in building a workplace where every team member is valued and can thrive.
For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don't hesitate to get in touch with talentattraction@brooks.com or call +1 (978) 262-2400 to discuss your needs. Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.
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