Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain FPGA firmware for railway control systems.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a leader in engineering and technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that shape the future of rail technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in electronic control equipment design; VHDL programming expertise required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and international project involvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Senior FPGA/VHDL Programmer, Burton-on-Trent
col-narrow-left
Client:
ALTEN
Location:
Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
3c5756c85e4b
Job Views:
12
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
Job Description
We are urgently seeking a Senior Electronics Engineer with strong FPGA/VHDL programming and embedded electronics experience to support the successful delivery of a major locomotive re-power project.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on delivering robust electronic and firmware solutions for railway control systems, with full lifecycle responsibility from design through to commissioning.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Develop, debug, and maintain FPGA firmware in VHDL, including integration with system components.
- Modify and optimise embedded FPGA code in line with design updates and performance requirements.
- Operate test equipment to monitor and validate system performance.
- Support control electronic equipment validation – type, routine and compliance testing, installation and commissioning first in class at customer site.
- Support investigations into component and system-level failures; perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with rail standards, including BS EN50155 and EMC design best practices.
- Provide technical support through commissioning and first-in-class installs, both in the UK and potentially abroad.
Who are we looking for?
You are…
- Passionate about engineering
- result-oriented
- proactive
Qualifications
Experience, skills and qualifications required:
- Engineering degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering
- 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and testing electronic control equipment in the rail industry
- Proficient in VHDL programming for FPGA-based systems
- Expertise in digital/analogue hardware design, including PCB manufacturing
- Skilled in Altium and AutoCAD for electronic CAD work
- Knowledge of EMC design and industry regulations
- Strong communication and documentation skills
Additional Information
Why join us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.
Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We\’re here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.
Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- A competitive salary
- Private MedicalInsurance
- Pension Scheme
- Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior FPGA/VHDL Programmer employer: ALTEN
Contact Detail:
ALTEN Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FPGA/VHDL Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the rail industry, especially those who have experience with FPGA and VHDL programming. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and technologies.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific compliance standards mentioned in the job description, such as BS EN50155 and EMC design best practices. Being knowledgeable about these regulations can set you apart during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with FPGA firmware development and embedded electronics. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those that involved troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for engineering and innovation during interviews. Highlight any personal projects or initiatives that demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior FPGA/VHDL Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with FPGA/VHDL programming and embedded electronics. Include specific projects or roles that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, especially within the rail industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and your proactive approach. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with compliance to rail standards and root cause analysis.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your engineering degree and any additional certifications related to electronic engineering. Emphasise your 5+ years of experience and proficiency in tools like Altium and AutoCAD, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication and documentation skills are essential, provide examples in your application where you successfully communicated complex technical information or collaborated with teams during project delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Showcase Your FPGA/VHDL Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with FPGA and VHDL programming in detail. Bring examples of past projects where you developed, debugged, or maintained FPGA firmware, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand Rail Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant rail standards such as BS EN50155 and EMC design best practices. Demonstrating knowledge of these regulations will show that you are serious about compliance and safety in your engineering work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to embedded electronics and digital/analogue hardware design. Brush up on your skills in Altium and AutoCAD, as well as your understanding of PCB manufacturing processes, to confidently answer any queries.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. Be ready to explain your documentation practices and how you ensure clarity in your work.
