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- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge FPGA firmware for high-reliability embedded systems.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a tech-driven company in the Defence sector.
- Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, and diverse engineering projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with ongoing learning and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact on innovative projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Firmware or FPGA Design; degree in relevant engineering field.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Firmware Engineer role in the Defence sector with the Scotland team. Based in Glasgow with potential infrequent travel to additional sites. On-site requirement: 3-5 times per week depending on work level. Must have full right to work in the UK and be eligible for or already hold SC clearance. Experience level: Mid-Level to Senior due to the complexity of work.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement VHDL-based FPGA firmware for high-reliability embedded systems.
- Conduct firmware architecture design, coding, simulation, and testing in accordance with engineering and quality standards.
- Collaborate with Hardware, Systems, and Software Engineers to ensure seamless integration of FPGA solutions into broader system architectures.
- Perform timing analysis, verification, and validation of FPGA designs using simulation tools and test benches.
- Support system reviews, documentation, and configuration management throughout the full development lifecycle.
- Provide technical input and mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring adherence to design standards and best practices.
Qualifications Required Skills/Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent military experience.
- 5+ years’ experience in Firmware or FPGA Design within the Defence, Aerospace, or Safety-Critical Systems domains.
- Proven expertise in FPGA development, including VHDL coding, synthesis, timing closure, and simulation.
- Proficiency with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Mentor ModelSim.
- Experience across the full firmware lifecycle — from requirements capture through to design validation and verification.
- Strong understanding of embedded systems, digital design principles, and hardware-software integration.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
Desirable Skills
- Familiarity with DO-254 or other safety-critical design standards.
- Experience with Defence or Aerospace-grade hardware development.
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or TCL for automation.
- Exposure to Configuration Management Tools (e.g. Git, SVN).
Additional Information
Why join us? We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
Employee Value
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
- Private Medical Insurance.
Firmware Engineer employer: ALTEN LTD - UK
Contact Detail:
ALTEN LTD - UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Firmware Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the Defence sector! Attend industry events, meetups, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Firmware Engineer role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Talk about your experience with VHDL coding and FPGA development. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on to really impress them.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Make sure you tailor your conversations to highlight how your skills align with their needs. If they mention a specific challenge, relate it back to your experience. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re the right fit!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Firmware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with VHDL, FPGA design, and any relevant projects in the Defence sector. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with embedded systems and collaboration with other engineers.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills clearly. Mention specific tools like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus that you've used, and any experience with safety-critical design standards. We love seeing concrete examples of your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN LTD - UK
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you've implemented VHDL in FPGA designs. Having specific examples ready will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and standards of the Defence sector. Research recent developments or projects in this field, as it will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with Hardware, Systems, and Software Engineers, be ready to share examples of successful teamwork. Highlight how you’ve contributed to seamless integration in past projects and how you handle communication across disciplines.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to FPGA development tools like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus. Brush up on timing analysis and verification processes, and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving in these areas.