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: Developing image processing pipeline on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) using High Level Synthesis (HLS). Translating image processing algorithm from C/Matlab to FPGA fabric in HLS. Continuously improving algorithm in C/Matlab and HLS to meet requirement. Designing FPGA logic using VHDL and Verilog, writing testbenches for functional simulation. Closing timing on FPGA designs. Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensor, flash memories, etc. Programming embedded processors using C language, 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. Creating host computer test tool or script using C/C++ or python Python to test embedded systems. Interact with outside customers, suppliers, and functional peer groups. Communicating to vendors’ field application engineers (FAE) for 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 assistance: Yes Visa Sponsorship: Yes PREFERRED: Prior FPGA design experience with an emphasis on High Level Synthesis (HLS), including developing complex architectures, implementing finite state machines, and applying best‑practice design techniques such as writing constraints and closing timing. Experience with object-oriented programing with C++. Understanding of image sensor concepts like gain, exposure, shutter. Basic ISP (Image Signal Processor) knowledge like brightness, contrast, gamma, debayer, etc. Knowledge of how to use version control. Proficient with major FPGA development environments (such as Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Altera Quartus, or Microchip LiberoSoC) and at least one FPGA simulation tool (ModelSim or Questa). Proficient with following programming languages: VHDL, Verilog/System Verilog; C/C++; Python Knowledge of basic interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART/RS-232., Working experience of HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, or equivalent. Ability to read and understand schematics and PCB layout. Hands‑on experience using standard electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, frequency generators, logic analyzers, etc.) and strong ability to troubleshoot issues 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 See your impact at ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site. Find Jobs for Employees Find Jobs for Contingent Worker Total Rewards Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align to incentives with business goals, encourage the right values and behaviors, and deliver long-term value. The first layer of our rewards program is compensation. We offer a combination of fixed pay and variable pay, which includes short-term incentives, and long-term incentives for eligible population. Our benefits program provides security for life events through life and disability insurance, supports savings for retirement, promotes good health and well-being and supports associates and their families during times of illness. To learn more about Alcon’s Corporate Social Responsibility including our Total Rewards, click here 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 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.