Why FPGA Engineers are in High Demand: Defense Sector Job Guide 2025

FPGA Engineers are experiencing unprecedented demand in the defense sector, with experienced professionals earning up to $187,708 annually. This surge stems from the critical role these specialists play in designing programmable integrated circuits for military technology where reliability is non-negotiable. The average FPGA engineer salary currently stands at $146,238 per year in the U.S., with entry-level positions starting at an impressive $123,925. Specifically, these engineers are essential for developing and maintaining virtually all electronics in defense applications, including weapons systems, radio communication, and computer networking infrastructure. Furthermore, the defense industry offers remarkable job stability, as it remains one of the last sectors expected to disappear. This stability is reinforced by substantial financial backing, where companies willingly invest millions to improve product reliability by even minimal percentages. Due to military hardware typically lasting several decades—like the Exocet missile system operating since 1973—FPGA design engineers can expect continuous work upgrading and maintaining critical systems throughout their careers.

Why the Defense Sector Needs FPGA Engineers

The defense sector increasingly relies on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to power mission-critical electronic systems. These versatile semiconductor devices have evolved from simple logic components into sophisticated, highly configurable systems capable of performing complex digital functions. As technology advances, the need for skilled FPGA engineers in the defense industry continues to grow.

Critical Role of FPGAs in Modern Military Systems

Modern military operations depend on electronic systems that can process massive amounts of data with minimal latency. FPGAs excel in this environment because of their parallel processing capabilities and deterministic timing—essential qualities for high-speed, real-time systems. Unlike traditional processors, FPGAs offer unmatched performance by integrating high-speed data converters, advanced signal processing blocks, and scalable resources into compact, efficient packages.

Moreover, FPGAs provide exceptional flexibility through field re-programmability, allowing systems to adapt to evolving threats and operational requirements without hardware replacement. This characteristic is particularly valuable in long-lifecycle defense applications where equipment must remain viable for decades.

Additionally, FPGAs deliver superior hardware-level security with built-in encryption and tamper-resistance features, making them ideal for safeguarding sensitive military data. Their ability to implement custom security protocols ensures protection against emerging cyber threats—a critical consideration in today’s digital battlefield.

Applications in Missiles, Radar, and Communication Systems

In missile guidance and control systems, FPGA engineers develop solutions for real-time trajectory calculations, sensor fusion, and control actuation. The Patriot missile system, for instance, employs FPGAs for radar tracking and guidance calculations. These compact, high-speed embedded processing capabilities are essential for precision targeting.

For radar applications, FPGAs handle pulse compression, Doppler filtering, and target detection with remarkable efficiency. The AN/APG-81 AESA Radar used in the F-35 Lightning II incorporates FPGAs for high-speed signal processing. One military contractor noted that using Agilex Direct RF FPGAs helped “shrink a refrigerator-sized piece of equipment down to a Rubik Cube”.

In communication systems, FPGA engineers design secure data links, implement cryptographic operations, and manage complex protocols. Military communication radios, such as the Harris Falcon III, utilize FPGAs to handle secure waveform processing and encryption. The adaptability of these devices enables military hardware to respond immediately to new threats or operational requirements.

What Makes the Job Appealing

Professionals choosing a career as an FPGA engineer in the defense sector find several compelling advantages that extend beyond typical engineering roles. The unique combination of resources, stability, and technological innovation creates an environment where engineers can thrive professionally while contributing to national security.

High Project Budgets and Access to Advanced Tools

Defense projects benefit from extraordinary financial backing, giving FPGA engineers access to resources rarely found in other sectors. While personal salaries are competitive—with FPGA engineers at companies like Anduril Industries earning between $120,000 and $200,000 annually—the real advantage lies in project funding. Defense contractors regularly secure massive contracts, exemplified by QuickLogic’s recent $6.58 million award for Strategic Radiation Hardened FPGA technology development, part of over $33 million in total funding.

In fact, defense companies willingly invest millions to improve product reliability by even fractional percentages. As one industry expert notes, “If you can argue that the purchase of some equipment will make the product 0.5% more reliable, you will get to spend the millions”. Consequently, FPGA design engineers enjoy working with cutting-edge tools and technologies that would be financially prohibitive in many other industries.

Long-Term Job Stability and Government Backing

Job security represents another significant advantage for defense sector FPGA engineers. Military hardware typically remains in service for decades, with systems like the Exocet missile in continuous use since 1973. These platforms undergo regular upgrades every 10-15 years, creating consistent demand for FPGA expertise. Furthermore, government backing ensures stable funding streams throughout economic fluctuations, making the defense industry notably resilient compared to commercial sectors.

Opportunities to Work on Cutting-Edge Tech

Beyond stability, defense work offers FPGA engineers exposure to pioneering technologies. Defense contractors demonstrate what industry insiders call “Tech FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out)—an institutional commitment to exploring emerging technologies before competitors. This approach creates research-oriented environments where engineers regularly tackle diverse, challenging problems rather than specializing narrowly.

At companies like Lockheed Martin, FPGA engineers work on advanced systems including EO/IR Fire Control technology, with corporate cultures that “empower employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality”. This combination of cutting-edge work and innovative thinking creates career paths with continuous learning opportunities and intellectual stimulation.

Challenges You Should Expect

Working as an FPGA engineer in the defense sector comes with unique obstacles that candidates should be prepared to navigate. Despite the attractive compensation and stability, there are several significant challenges that differentiate this career path from commercial engineering roles.

Strict Security Protocols and Clearance Levels

Most defense FPGA positions require security clearances ranging from Secret to Top Secret/SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information), with many job postings explicitly stating “TS/SCI, obtainable within reasonable time” as a prerequisite. Obtaining these clearances involves extensive background investigations that can take 6-18 months to complete. Furthermore, U.S. citizenship is mandatory for these positions, as specified in job descriptions: “Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required”. The lengthy clearance process often creates hiring delays and may restrict international collaborations.

Limited Access to Open-Source Resources

Defense projects generally restrict access to open-source tools and libraries commonly available to commercial engineers. Designs must follow Joint Federated Assurance Center (JFAC) guidelines, which limit using unvalidated resources. Engineers must work within highly controlled environments with restricted internet access and prohibited use of unauthorized design tools. FPGA designs must undergo rigorous validation, using only approved IP cores and tools from authorized vendors. This isolation from the broader engineering community can hinder innovation and create steep learning curves for new team members.

Is It the Right Fit for You?

Determining whether a career as an FPGA engineer in defense aligns with your goals requires honest self-assessment. The field attracts specific personality types and value systems that thrive in its unique environment.

Ideal for Engineers Who Enjoy Research-Heavy Roles

Defense FPGA work mirrors academic research more closely than typical commercial engineering. Engineers often spend years investigating emerging technologies that might have future applications. As one industry veteran explains, “It’s more like research—you will have to educate yourself to solve vastly different problems on a regular basis”. Those who enjoyed academia typically find satisfaction in defense roles.

These positions favor continuous learners who view engineering challenges as intellectual puzzles. Joshua Vandermeer, a Senior Electrical Engineering Specialist, describes FPGA engineering as “peeling the never-ending onion. Every time you deepen your knowledge and learn something new, you peel back another layer and there’s a whole new realm that you can explore and master”.

Career Growth and Learning from Senior Experts

The defense sector offers robust mentoring programs. The Department of Defense operates initiatives like “DoD MentorConnect,” launching in FY2025, designed to pair engineers with experienced professionals. These relationships prove invaluable as engineers navigate the complex technical and security requirements unique to defense work.

Career advancement opportunities are substantial, with pathways from entry-level positions (starting around $56,001) to senior roles exceeding $200,000. Defense contractors actively develop talent through structured growth programs, making the sector excellent for long-term career development.

Final Thoughts on FPGA Engineering in Defense

FPGA engineering within the defense sector stands as one of the most lucrative and stable career paths available to technical professionals today. Throughout this guide, we’ve examined why these specialized engineers command salaries approaching $200,000 annually while enjoying exceptional job security. The defense industry continues to invest heavily in FPGA technology because these versatile devices form the backbone of critical military systems from missile guidance to secure communications.

Certainly, defense-sector FPGA positions offer extraordinary advantages compared to their commercial counterparts. Access to substantial research budgets, cutting-edge technologies, and decades-long project lifecycles create an environment where engineers can develop deep expertise. Additionally, the classified nature of defense work protects these positions from offshore outsourcing that affects other technical fields.

Despite these benefits, candidates must weigh several challenges before pursuing this career path. Security clearance requirements, frequent work with legacy systems, and restricted access to open-source resources create unique obstacles. Furthermore, professionals must carefully consider the ethical dimensions of contributing to military technology development.

The ideal candidates for these roles typically share specific characteristics: intellectual curiosity, comfort with research-oriented work, and a desire to contribute to national security objectives. Those who thrive in academic environments often find defense FPGA engineering particularly rewarding. Last but not least, the structured mentorship programs and clear advancement pathways make this field excellent for long-term career development.

FPGA engineering in defense thus represents a specialized niche that rewards those with the right technical abilities and temperament. Though not suited for everyone, qualified engineers who align with the sector’s demands will find few other career paths offering comparable compensation, stability, and intellectual challenge.