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- Tasks: Join our team to develop cutting-edge firmware for safety systems protecting the UK Armed Forces.
- Company: Leonardo is a leading global high-tech company, committed to innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, hybrid options, and a fantastic benefits package including private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing safety in military environments while growing your skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA technologies and firmware design; strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for part-time work and access to over 4000 online courses for continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to collaborate in delivering equipment to protect the UK Armed Forces from IEDs? Due to the continued growth of the business area, we are looking for an Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our Mission Systems team. This role presents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to develop state of the art solutions for Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) programmes – providing systems that improve the safety of personnel against threats such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or similar in Civilian or Military environments. These systems are utilised on a variety of target platforms with the opportunity to work closely with both partners and end users.
What you will do
- Firmware requirements capture and management
- FPGA design and analysis
- Production of documentation for other engineers and evidence for design reviews
- Development of FPGA test and FPGA integration plans
- Perform system integration work with PCB designers and embedded software engineers
- Support all firmware designs through the company firmware process – training will be given
- Modification of existing firmware designs and test benches
What we are looking for:
- Using FPGA technologies especially from either Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools
- Advanced verification techniques using either VHDL or System Verilog / UVM
- Specifying complex timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route
- Ability to analyse system level requirements and derive detailed Firmware requirements
- A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured firmware process such as RTCA DO-254 or similar
- Experience of working on safety related firmware to IEC 61508 would be advantageous
- De-bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers
- Making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for Firmware design activities
- Ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines both verbally and in written form
- Familiarity with Siemens EDA FPGA development tools including HDL Designer and ModelSim / Questa is an advantage
- Engineering experience with radio systems and software defined radio or signal processing an advantage
- Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team
It would be nice if you had:
- Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
- Domain experience in Electronics Warfare and Electronics Countermeasure
You must be capable of achieving full SC security clearance and will require access to caveated information such as UK eyes only.
With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.
Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us.
Company funded flexible benefits: We offer award-winning flexible benefits plan, having won the Best Flexible Working Policy Award, Best Flexible Benefits Strategy and Best Flexible Benefits Plan in 2023. These include; access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers).
Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera.
Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below.
Embedded Firmware Engineer employer: Leonardo
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Firmware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with FPGA technologies, especially those from Xilinx, Microsemi, or Lattice. Understanding their tools and how they integrate into firmware design will give you a significant edge during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of advanced verification techniques using VHDL or System Verilog. Being able to demonstrate your expertise in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with hardware and software engineers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with safety-related firmware or are familiar with standards like IEC 61508, make sure to highlight this in your conversations. It’s a valuable asset that aligns well with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Firmware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Embedded Firmware Engineer role. Focus on your experience with FPGA technologies, VHDL or System Verilog, and any safety-related firmware projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to meet the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical skills related to firmware design, debugging, and system integration. Be sure to mention any familiarity with Siemens EDA tools and your experience with safety standards like IEC 61508.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. This could include mentoring junior engineers or working alongside hardware and software engineers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Showcase Your FPGA Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience with FPGA technologies, especially if you've worked with Xilinx, Microsemi, or Lattice. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied advanced verification techniques using VHDL or System Verilog.
✨Demonstrate a Methodical Approach
Discuss your familiarity with structured firmware processes like RTCA DO-254. Provide examples of how you've managed the full firmware design lifecycle and how you ensure compliance with safety standards such as IEC 61508.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires collaboration across different disciplines, practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare to explain how you've successfully communicated with hardware and software engineers in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Decision-Making
Be ready to discuss instances where you've made critical technical decisions or mitigated risks in firmware design activities. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and contribute to the team's success.
