Principal FPGA Image Processing Engineer

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal FPGA Image Pipeline Engineer supporting Research & Development of Alcon’s Surgical Instrumentation in Goleta, CA, you will be trusted to assist in the design of next-gen surgical cameras used in eye surgery.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write testbenches for functional simulation.

• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.

• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.

• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensors, flash memories, etc.

• Programming embedded processors using C language.

• Organize weekly stand-up meeting and be the technical lead of the team

• Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.

• Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology. Using version control to commit and push firmware code. Performing code review through pull request.

• Writing detailed design documentation.

• Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.

• Creating host computer test tools or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems.

• Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematics and layout.

• Working with software developers for software/hardware interfacing.

• Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers.

• Interacting with other departments within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers.

• Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)

• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

• Relocation and Visa Sponsorship: Yes

PREFERRED:

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design and development, including memory interfacing, finite state machine (FSM) architectures, timing optimization, and timing closure methodologies. 

• Advanced proficiency with FPGA development, simulation, and verification tools, including Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, Microchip Libero SoC, ModelSim, and/or Questa. 

• Strong programming and hardware description language skills, including VHDL, Verilog/System Verilog, C/C++, and Python. 

• Experience providing technical leadership or guidance within FPGA design and development environments. 

• Working knowledge of communication interfaces and protocols, including I2C, SPI, and UART/RS-232. 

• Experience utilizing version control systems and software development best practices to support collaborative engineering efforts. 

• Experience using terminal communication applications such as HyperTerminal, Tera Term, or comparable tools. 

• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electronic schematics and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. 

• Extensive hands-on experience with electronic test and measurement equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, logic analyzers, and related tools. 

• Strong hardware debugging and root-cause analysis skills, including troubleshooting at the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) level.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• Join Alcon’s mission to provide top-tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives.

• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.

• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!

Alcon Careers

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Compensation and Benefits

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

  

Pay Range

130,900.00 - 169,400.00

  

Pay Frequency

Annual

  

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.