At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of firmware for cutting-edge FPGA platforms.
- Company: Join an employee-owned tech company with a flat structure and real influence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top specialists on challenging projects that matter.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on innovative projects while mentoring fellow engineers.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in firmware engineering with expertise in FPGAs and embedded systems.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Influence technical direction while remaining hands-on with cutting-edge technology.
If you're the kind of engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems and wants more influence over how products are designed and delivered, this could be an excellent next step.
Alpha Data is seeking a Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation FPGA computing platforms used in some of the world's most demanding applications.
You’ll help shape technical direction, mentor other engineers and work alongside highly experienced FPGA, hardware and software specialists on genuinely challenging projects.
As an employee-owned company with a flat organisational structure, Alpha Data empowers engineers to contribute ideas, influence products and make a visible impact without layers of bureaucracy getting in the way.
The Opportunity
You’ll lead the design and development of software and firmware solutions for Alpha Data’s FPGA platforms, combining hands-on technical work with technical leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Development and maintenance of APIs, SDK and device drivers for Alpha Data’s range of FPGA/So C products.
Develop and maintain firmware for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and embedded processors.
Design, implement, and maintain software components, including device drivers and supporting tools for customer applications.
Debug, test, and validate software and firmware to ensure reliability and performance.
Respond to and resolve customer support requests relating to software and firmware issues.
Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to ensure effective integration of software and electronic systems.
Mentor and develope other engineers.
Innovate and lead high-quality engineering practices.
Contribute to code quality through documentation, code reviews, and adherence to development standards.
Support the development of example designs and reference implementations for customers.
Lead customer technical discussion and interactions.
What We’re Looking For
BSc/BEng in Electronics/Software Engineering (or higher).
Minimum of 6 years’ relevant industry experience
AMD/Xilinx FPGAs/So Cs and Vivado Design Suite
Understanding and practice in Clock Domain Crossing (CDC)
C/C++
Embedded Linux (Yocto) or other Embedded OS application programming
Experience in device driver programming: In Linux, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Windows, or Vx Works
FPGA timing analysis
Java, JDK/JRE based applications
Test/Verification Design
CI/CD, (Jenkins). (automation of build and test)
Software project management (JIRA)
Ethernet protocol knowledge (level 1-4)
PCIe (architecture and processor/FPGA interfacing)
Experience with other I/O interface protocols, JESDC, Coaxpress, Camera Link, TSN, etc
Why Join Alpha Data?
Employee-owned business with shared success
Flat organisational structure and genuine technical influence
Opportunity to shape products and engineering direction
Work with recognised FPGA specialists
Challenging projects with real-world impact
Hybrid working and competitive benefits package
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Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Alpha Data | FPGA
At Alpha Data, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, a strong focus on employee development, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in the aerospace and defence sectors. Located in both the USA and UK, we provide a unique chance to engage with global customers while contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Alpha Data | FPGA or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Alpha Data | FPGA.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Alpha Data | FPGA.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Alpha Data | FPGA that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Alpha Data | FPGA.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Alpha Data | FPGA and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alpha Data | FPGA
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Alpha Data | FPGA uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
