At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and verify firmware for high-speed FPGA applications in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Leading UK engineering firm specialising in advanced electronic systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on innovative FPGA systems that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and VHDL experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous learning in cutting-edge technologies.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is with a leading UK-based engineering and technology company specialising in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic systems for high-performance sensing and signal processing applications. The company operates across sectors such as defence, industrial measurement, and scientific instrumentation, delivering robust, high-speed embedded solutions tailored to demanding environments.
As part of a small, expert engineering team, you will contribute to the full lifecycle development of FPGA-based systems that form the core of the company’s innovative products.
Role PurposeYou will be responsible for developing and verifying firmware for high-speed FPGA applications, encompassing sensor signal acquisition, digital signal processing, and hardware integration. You will manage projects from concept through to production release, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and quality standards. This is a fully onsite position requiring close collaboration with hardware, production, and test teams, and hands-on work with live hardware using standard lab instrumentation.
Key Responsibilities- Firmware Development: Design, code, and verify FPGA firmware in VHDL for high-speed embedded and signal processing applications.
- System Integration: Collaborate with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of FPGA designs with sensors, microcontrollers, and communication interfaces.
- Verification & Debug: Test and debug firmware and hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and other lab tools to validate system functionality.
- Documentation: Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and production support materials.
- Project Management: Plan and track development activities, ensuring milestones and budgets are achieved.
- Production Support: Provide technical support to production teams, resolving firmware or hardware-related issues to maintain product quality and reliability.
- Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of the latest FPGA technologies, toolchains, and methodologies, applying new knowledge to improve system performance and development efficiency.
- Degree in Electrical / Electronic Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in VHDL development for FPGAs.
- Experience with Xilinx and Lattice FPGA technologies and associated toolchains.
- Proficient in serial and parallel interfaces (e.g., SPI, I²C, UART, RS232 / 485, CAN) and high-speed protocols (Ethernet, USB, TCP / IP, UDP, Aurora, sFPDP).
- Familiarity with schematic capture and circuit simulation tools (Altium, Protel, pSPICE).
- Working knowledge of scripting or automation tools such as Python.
- Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage complex workloads effectively.
- Strong communicator with excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering robust, high-quality solutions.
- Customer-focused approach with an awareness of cross-departmental processes.
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Why Join- Work on cutting-edge FPGA systems used in advanced sensing and signal processing.
- Join a tight-knit, technically driven team with opportunities to contribute to the full product lifecycle.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Fully onsite role offering hands-on engagement with live systems and production hardware.
FPGA / VHDL Firmware Engineer in Egham employer: Alfen Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alfen Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FPGA / VHDL Firmware Engineer in Egham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your FPGA/VHDL projects. Whether it's a GitHub repo or a personal website, having tangible evidence of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to FPGA and VHDL. Practice explaining your past projects and how you tackled challenges. Confidence is key, so make sure you can articulate your thought process clearly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our team.
We think you need these skills to ace FPGA / VHDL Firmware Engineer in Egham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with VHDL and FPGA development. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or technologies you've worked with!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about FPGA systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention specific examples where you've tackled complex issues in firmware development or system integration. We value analytical thinkers who can navigate challenges effectively, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alfen Recruitment
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you've used VHDL in real-world applications. Practising coding problems related to FPGA firmware can also give you a solid edge.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Products
Take some time to research the company’s products and the sectors they operate in, like defence and industrial measurement. Understanding their technology and how your role fits into their product lifecycle will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that dive deep into FPGA design, debugging, and system integration. Brush up on your knowledge of tools like oscilloscopes and logic analysers, and be ready to explain how you’ve used them in past projects. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves close collaboration with hardware and software engineers, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to project management and problem-solving in a team setting.