By Jake Trybulski, Talent Acquisition

There’s a certain optimism in a blank Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

Unlike standard microchips etched for one task, an FPGA is unwritten potential. It’s a device you can transform again and again. It adapts, it innovates, and it reflects the dynamic nature of the people who work with it, making FPGA design an ideal field for those passionate about innovation and problem-solving.

For Jon Cohen, senior FPGA engineer on the Space & Mission Systems team at BAE Systems, that versatility isn’t just technical, it’s the favorite part of his job.

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"FPGA engineering is appealing to me because of its versatility, the ability to work on various projects and collaborate with different teams. I enjoy working on the 'brain' components of these technologies and learning about different areas, including hardware, software, and communications," Jon said.

But his story isn’t just about hardware; it’s also about how he’s programming his own journey, architecting a career that blends technical challenge with a strong sense of purpose.

Designing a unique career path

Jon’s journey into FPGA engineering was shaped by the skills and adaptability he built at each of his career stops along the way.

Graduating with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, he landed his first role at a company specializing in unique radio frequency (RF) systems. Soon he would step into unfamiliar territory, moving to a quantum computing company, where he worked on PCB design and transitioned to embedded system design—a strong foundation for an FPGA engineering career.

Through these varied roles, he built a unique toolkit with a broad range of technical competencies ideal for digital design and verification.

“After that, I worked on a radar project for space precipitation measurements. When that project ended, having these transferable skills helped me join the team at BAE Systems.”

By navigating different technical domains, Jon learned how all the pieces fit together, something he leans on heavily in his role today. This approach lets him become both FPGA programmer and connector.

“Having a lot of room to be part of the entire development process is really impactful for me. I get to help architect the system, collaborate with system engineers, software engineers, and hardware engineers, and work on the design life cycle from start to finish. That’s rewarding,” Jon said.

Bridging hardware, software, and people

At BAE Systems, he thrives in an environment where complexity meets collaboration, a core requirement for success in FPGA design engineering.

“At a high level, my day-to-day work involves designing new architectures, updating existing code, and helping resolve issues with programs. I work on various projects, including communication protocol development, test equipment design, and specific solutions like a thermal board and stepper motor controller,” Jon said.

But the field is also modernizing, especially as digital electronics evolve, something that is becoming a vital part of Jon’s role.

“Our team is growing rapidly, and we're consistently updating our design practices and workflows. We work with various FPGA platforms, and I’ve enjoyed using Git for version control and continuous integration,” he added.

In layperson’s terms, Git is a widely used tool that helps people work together on projects by tracking changes and improvements.

Collaboration: Sparking ideas, accelerating growth

Jon points out that BAE Systems stands out from an FPGA perspective because of its large team.

“Our FPGA team is quite vast here, which is definitely unique because FPGA can be a niche field. But here, there are a lot of designers and verification engineers. You really have the opportunity to grow and learn,” Jon said.

This environment fosters innovation, open idea-sharing, and personal growth across all experience levels. Team members also benefit from the company’s flexibility according to Jon.

“If you're working on a program and it isn’t your highest interest, there’s always an option to move around and find something more aligned with your goals if you express them with your manager.”

He is motivated not just by technical challenges, but by the clear impact of his work and passion for weather science and real-world solutions.

“I've always been a self-proclaimed ‘huge weather nerd,’ and in my role I get to create space electronics that detect significant weather events to help potentially saves thousands of lives. That is something extremely important to our futures,” Jon said.

The sense of purpose is tangible, and so is the team’s appreciation.

“There's definitely a lot of recognition on the impact that happens here, which is a cool culture to be a part of,” he added.

Colorado: An environment fueling balance

Two photos. Jon's camper in a national park in Utah. And Jon and his friend snowboarding Eldora in Colorado.

Engineering at a high level can be demanding, and Jon finds Colorado and the surrounding areas the perfect environment for balance and creativity.

“We have an engineering newsletter that goes out every few weeks where we get to know our teammates. A lot of people mention how much they love running, biking, hiking, all the outdoorsy stuff. And honestly, I said the exact same thing when I was featured. The Colorado stereotype is real,” Jon said with a laugh.

For him, the outdoors offer a unique way to recharge.

“Living here is so different from where I grew up. Back home, I couldn’t just drive a few minutes, hike a mountain, and be back the same day. That’s something I’ve really come to appreciate about Colorado, it’s such a unique experience and amazing that so many people here get to enjoy that kind of lifestyle,” Jon said.

Shaping what’s next

Much like an FPGA, Jon’s career is defined by adaptability and creative potential. His path shows what’s possible for a career when you combine curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to shape your own future as an FPGA design engineer. The canvas is ready—what will you create at BAE Systems?

Work with talented innovators like Jon and explore FPGA Engineering careers with our Space & Mission Systems team today.