Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a top-tier team to design and develop safety-critical FPGA systems.
- Company: Work with a leading engineering firm on impactful national projects.
- Benefits: Earn up to £800/day with a focus on quality and modern tools.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in engineering while working in an agile, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FPGA design, VHDL/Verilog, and safety-critical systems required.
- Other info: Must be eligible for SC clearance; UK nationals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Contract FPGA Design Engineer - Safety-Critical Projects
Location: Derby (on-site)
Contract: Inside IR35 paying up to £800/day
Fancy getting stuck into some high-impact, safety-critical work with a top-tier engineering team? One of our clients is on the lookout for an experienced FPGA contractor to join them on-site in Derby. The work's challenging, rewarding, and genuinely important - this is proper engineering that makes a difference.
The job:
- You'll be embedded in a high-performing firmware team working on complex systems for national-level projects.
- Agile SCRUM, modern toolsets, and a big focus on quality - they're doing things properly here.
You’ll be:
- Capturing requirements in DOORS
- Designing firmware architectures and low-level specs
- Writing VHDL/Verilog in Sigasi Studio
- Running simulations in QuestaSIM
- Doing synthesis, place & route, and timing analysis (Synplify, Xilinx FPGAs)
- Automating workflows with Python
- Supporting CI/CD pipelines and using GIT for version control
- Feeding into process improvements and helping streamline delivery
What they’re after:
- Solid background in FPGA and digital design
- Experience working on Real Time or safety-critical systems
- Strong with VHDL/Verilog and the usual toolsets
- Comfortable working solo or as part of a team
- Someone who can hit the ground running
- Clearance required: You'll need to be eligible for SC clearance and a UK national (or dual national from a non-ITAR country) due to the nature of the work.
FPGA Design Engineer (contract) employer: Xpertise
Contact Detail:
Xpertise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FPGA Design Engineer (contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to brush up on your VHDL and Verilog skills, as these are crucial for the role. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source FPGA designs to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Agile SCRUM methodologies if you haven't already. Understanding how to work in a fast-paced, iterative environment will help you fit right into the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the FPGA and safety-critical systems field. Attend relevant meetups or online forums to connect with others who might have insights or leads on similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Since SC clearance is required, ensure you have all necessary documentation ready. Being prepared can speed up the process and show your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace FPGA Design Engineer (contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with FPGA design, VHDL/Verilog, and any relevant safety-critical projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains why you're interested in this contract role and how your background aligns with the job requirements. Mention your familiarity with Agile SCRUM and your ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with tools like DOORS, QuestaSIM, and Synplify. Discuss any previous roles where you worked on real-time or safety-critical systems to showcase your suitability for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in engineering roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Xpertise
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with VHDL/Verilog and the specific toolsets mentioned in the job description. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented FPGA designs, especially in safety-critical environments.
✨Understand Agile Methodologies
Since the team works in an Agile SCRUM environment, demonstrate your familiarity with Agile practices. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to Agile teams in the past and how you can adapt to their workflow.
✨Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities
The role involves complex systems and process improvements. Prepare to share instances where you've identified issues and implemented effective solutions, particularly in high-pressure situations or tight deadlines.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
While the role requires individual contributions, it's crucial to show that you can work well within a team. Discuss your experiences collaborating with others, especially in firmware development, and how you’ve supported CI/CD pipelines.
