FPGA Tech Lead/Architect - Firmware

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced Firmware Tech Lead/Architect to join our Fluid and Motion Control Team at the Emerson Innovation Center in Pune. This role demands expertise in architecting and developing FPGA-based embedded firmware tailored for high-performance motion control products. The successful candidate will drive system-level architecture, FPGA resource allocation, real-time control mechanisms, and ensure operation complies with strict safety standards within industrial settings.

Core Responsibilities

• Design the firmware architecture to support advanced motion control systems.
• Create and evaluate HDL designs including VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog.
• Develop FPGA-based real-time communication stacks (IO-Link, EtherCAT, PROFINET, CANopen) with synchronized multi-axis control.
• Design and implement firmware compliant with SIL2/SIL3 safety standards in line with IEC 61508 and ISO 13849, incorporating safety functions.
• Perform hardware initialization and validation during board bring-up phases.
• Lead and mentor a team of firmware developers.
• Provide architectural oversight and guidance to firmware and FPGA engineers.
• Collaborate with a global engineering network across international locations.

Requirements and Skills

• A minimum of 6 years' experience developing embedded firmware for high-performance motion control applications such as servo drives, robotics, or industrial automation.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proficient in VHDL and FPGA toolchains, especially for Altera MAX10, Cyclone 10, and Agilex 3 devices.
• Solid knowledge of motion control algorithms, including Field-Oriented Control (FOC), torque, speed and position loops, trajectory planning, and sensorless control methods.
• Expertise with industrial communication protocols such as IO-Link, EtherCAT, CANopen, and PROFINET with deterministic multi-axis synchronization.
• Embedded software proficiency including ARM/SoC integration, real-time operating systems (RTOS), C/C++, firmware debugging and optimization.
• Experience with both RTOS and bare-metal (non-RTOS) firmware development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for DSP algorithm design.
• Knowledge of functional safety practices and compliance, including SIL2/SIL3 architecture design, IEC 61508 / ISO 13849 standards, safe torque off (STO) implementations, and redundant monitoring.