Location: Montreal, Canada

At Thales, our people architect solutions that enable two‑thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in‑flight entertainment systems enjoyed by 50 million travelers every year, and we develop the avionics used on the world's largest commercial aircraft. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transport aircraft and search and rescue helicopters. Together, each member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

From the bottom of the oceans to the depths of space, Thales experts innovate and continuously push the boundaries of technology. By joining our Montreal team, you will help develop innovations that propel the aviation of tomorrow toward a greener, safer world. You will work with international cutting‑edge customers in a team of passionate experts developing critical avionics solutions, including for urban electric air taxi markets. Thales offers a hybrid, friendly and dynamic work environment that supports work/life balance and is grounded in human values. You will also have access to a comprehensive program of targeted, diverse training to support your career growth within the Group.

The Avionics office in Marie‑Curie, Montreal is Thales Group's Centre of Competence for business and regional jet flight control systems. The team designs and integrates avionics suites, fly‑by‑wire flight control systems, SATCOM systems and other innovative concepts for the regional and business aircraft markets.

Position summary

The FPGA Development Architect leads FPGA development activities within a cross‑functional team, respecting cost and schedule constraints and following applicable processes and industry standards. The role ensures appropriate reporting of technical activity and guarantees technical ownership of the developments under their responsibility, contributing to the overall design and verification strategy.

Key responsibilities

As a senior FPGA development specialist, your main responsibilities will include:

Participate in specifying hardware architectures in collaboration with product, board and software architects;
Be responsible for development, integration and verification activities;
Prepare and validate technical documentation and compliance evidence (DO‑254 standard);
Ensure full requirements traceability from design through verification and validation;
Oversee and validate the design and implementation of complex blocks;
Interface with system/product engineering, board, software and production teams;
Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices;
Act as a technical reference and mentor for junior engineers.

Minimum requirements

The position requires knowledge in the following areas:

Hardware description languages VHDL/Verilog and development and verification of complete FPGA and/or ASIC designs;
FPGA development platforms (Xilinx, Altera, Microsemi, ...) and UNIX environments;
Understanding of FPGA components and technologies (process nodes, power consumption, startup and transient behaviors);
Processing functions, high‑speed buses, memories and interfaces;
Knowledge of board interfaces and timing issues on external buses such as DDR, PCIe, USB, Ethernet.

Ability to solve complex problems and propose innovative solutions.

Technical leadership, excellent communication skills and team spirit.

Autonomy, initiative, rigor, analytical and synthesis capabilities, and strong collaboration skills.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills in an international, multicultural environment (Canada, France, India, US). Ability to work across departments and build effective relationships.

This position requires a good command of English for writing technical documentation and interacting with international clients, employees, partners or government authorities who do not speak French.

Education

Degree from an engineering school (Electronics, Aerospace, Computer Science...) or university background with a Master's or PhD in embedded electronics, and significant experience (10–15 years).

Preferred qualifications

Skills and aptitudes:

DO‑254/DO‑160 certification;
Familiarity with avionics products such as civil and military computers, displays;
Python, C, C++.

Specific requirements

This position may require travel: short‑duration missions (less than one week).

Benefits

Company‑paid extended health, dental, HSA, life and AD&D, short‑term disability, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program and well‑being program.
Retirement savings plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with company contribution and DCPP match, with no vesting period.
Company paid holidays, vacation days and paid sick leave.
Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness and Long‑Term Disability options.
Employee discounts on home and auto insurance.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations throughout the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise upon invitation; we will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization including a Canadian Enhanced Reliability security clearance.

FPGA Architect