At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop VHDL firmware for cutting-edge aerospace and defence systems.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and a personalised career path.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with ongoing learning and clear career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that shape the future of technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in VHDL firmware development and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Join our team to deliver high-impact firmware solutions for mission-critical aerospace and defence systems. You’ll develop VHDL firmware for FPGAs, ensuring robust performance and reliability in advanced communication and avionics applications. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects where your expertise directly supports operational capability in dynamic environments.
Location: Reading
On-site: Hybrid (3 days per week)
Seniority: Senior (5+ years of relevant experience)
Clearance: Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and capable of obtaining BPSS clearance.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain VHDL firmware for FPGA-based systems in aerospace and defence applications.
- Implement and optimize firmware to meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate firmware into complex systems.
- Conduct testing, debugging, and validation of firmware designs.
- Support configuration management and documentation processes.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices for firmware development.
Qualifications Required Skills
- 5+ years of experience in VHDL firmware development for FPGAs.
- Strong proficiency in FPGA development tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus).
- Experience with firmware design, simulation, and verification.
- Knowledge of digital signal processing and communication protocols.
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Adaptability in fast-paced, regulated environments.
- Proactive approach to continuous improvement and quality assurance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant Engineering field, or relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands-on experience.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with embedded systems and real-time processing.
- Knowledge of ModelSim, SystemVerilog, or UVM.
- Exposure to aerospace/defence standards (e.g., DO-254 or -178).
- Familiarity with Python or Tcl scripting for automation.
Additional Information
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.
Benefits
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
VHDL Firmware Engineer in Reading employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where passionate engineers collaborate on innovative projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. Located in Broughton, employees benefit from a personalised career path, ongoing learning opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages growth. With a range of benefits including private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to the Armed Forces community, ALTEN is dedicated to creating a rewarding and meaningful workplace for all its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VHDL Firmware Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your VHDL firmware projects. Include details about the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to VHDL and FPGA development. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings tailored to your expertise. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our innovative team at ALTEN!
We think you need these skills to ace VHDL Firmware Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your VHDL firmware experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about aerospace and defence systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about the role!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight specific examples where you've tackled complex challenges in firmware development. We love seeing how you approach problems and come up with innovative solutions—this is key for us!
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’s super easy—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those involving FPGA development. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Since the role requires proficiency in tools like Xilinx Vivado and Intel Quartus, it’s a good idea to have hands-on experience or at least a solid understanding of these platforms. You might be asked about your workflow or how you optimise designs using these tools.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked with hardware and software teams in the past. Discuss how you’ve integrated firmware into complex systems and any communication strategies that helped you succeed.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to digital signal processing and communication protocols. Brush up on relevant standards like DO-254 or DO-178, as well as any experience you have with version control systems like Git. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will set you apart.
