At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of firmware for cutting-edge FPGA/SoC products.
- Company: Join Alpha Data, a leader in aerospace and defence computing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and exposure to diverse markets.
- Why this job: Work on innovative projects that make a real impact in high-performance computing.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in embedded software/firmware engineering with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
For over three decades, Alpha Data has empowered leading aerospace and defence (A&D) and datacentre acceleration customers with cutting-edge computing solutions. From our locations in the UK and USA, we bring the inherent cost savings and accelerated time-to-market of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products to customers around the world. Our highly skilled design team also specialises in customising these COTS solutions to meet our customer’s unique and challenging requirements, ensuring we succeed together!
Alpha Data seeks an experienced embedded software/firmware/driver engineer, looking to continue to exercise and develop their technical skills as well as lead and mentor junior staff. You will take an active role in leading design and implementation of kernel drivers, reference designs, SDK for Alpha Data products and customer project engagements. Our products and customers utilise a large range of operating systems, interfaces, and other technologies; which makes the role both challenging and technically interesting in the breadth of knowledge required. Principally the role is onsite, with scope for some remote working.
Responsibilities
- Development and maintenance of APIs, SDK and device drivers for Alpha Data’s range of FPGA/SoC 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 develop 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.
Requirements
Experience
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in relevant industry roles exercising the skills specified below, and proving capability fulfilling the responsibilities listed above.
Qualifications
- BSc/BEng in Electronics and Software Engineering (or higher).
- Apprenticeship degree (SCQF Level 10/11) in related industry with experience using AMD SoC and FPGAs, and software engineering (or higher).
- Any other relevant certification or courses completed in relevant technologies or skills.
Technical Skills
Essential
- AMD/Xilinx FPGAs/SoCs and Vivado Design Suite
- Software/FPGA architecture design leadership
- Understanding and practice in Clock Domain Crossing (CDC)
- VHDL and/or Verilog + Vivado IPIC/C++
- Embedded Linux (Yocto) or other Embedded OS application programming
- Experience in device driver programming: In Linux, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Windows, or VxWorks
- Version control (Subversion, Git, etc)
Desirable
- FPGA timing analysis
- Java, JDK/JRE based applications
- Code Review
- 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
Soft Skills
- Small team management & leadership
- Project management
- Excellent team communication
- Software development workflow
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities to work on cutting‑edge technologies and challenging projects that make a real impact.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment with a focus on continuous learning and professional growth.
- Exposure to diverse and high‑demands markets including high-performance computing, aerospace, and defence.
- The chance to be part of a company with a long-standing reputation for innovation and excellence.
Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer (AD-ENG17) 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 (AD-ENG17) in Edinburgh
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Alpha Data | FPGA for a Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer (AD-ENG17). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer (AD-ENG17) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Alpha Data | FPGA, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Alpha Data | FPGA, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alpha Data | FPGA
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Alpha Data | FPGA.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Alpha Data | FPGA. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Alpha Data | FPGA love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
