At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on technical support for FPGA-based systems in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join Altera, a leader in programmable solutions for mission-critical applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a difference in high-performance environments while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering and experience with hardware support and FPGA systems.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Altera is an independent company delivering programmable solutions that power high-performance and mission‑critical applications. Our FPGA technologies enable innovation across aerospace, defense, and government systems where reliability, security, and performance are paramount. Altera is seeking a General Support Engineer to support the Aerospace, Defense, and Government (ADG) organization. This role focuses on providing hands‑on technical support for FPGA‑based board and system platforms, including bring‑up, debug, validation, and ongoing system support for mission‑critical applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide board‑ and system‑level support for FPGA‑based platforms used in ADG applications
- Perform hardware bring‑up, validation, and debug in lab and customer environments
- Troubleshoot complex issues related to signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and system integration
- Support high‑speed interfaces (DDR, PCIe, Ethernet) and resolve performance issues
- Collaborate with FPGA, hardware design, and software teams to diagnose and resolve system‑level challenges
- Assist customers and internal stakeholders with technical issue resolution and system optimization
- Develop and execute validation plans, debug strategies, and test procedures
- Document findings, solutions, and best practices to improve support and engineering processes
- Support sustaining engineering efforts and continuous improvement of deployed platforms
- Develop, modify, and debug FPGA designs using Verilog/SystemVerilog RTL to support customer applications, reference designs, and internal development efforts
- Collaborate with FPGA architects, design engineers, and software teams to implement and debug RTL FPGA‑based solutions
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in hardware support, system validation, or board‑level engineering
- Strong experience with hardware bring‑up, lab debug, and troubleshooting
- Familiarity with FPGA‑based systems and system‑level integration
- Knowledge of high‑speed digital interfaces (DDR, PCIe, Ethernet)
- Hands‑on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers)
- Strong experience with RTL design and development using Verilog and/or SystemVerilog
- Programming and scripting experience using Tcl, Python, Java, or similar languages for automation, debug, and data analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government programs
- Familiarity with Altera FPGA platforms and toolchain
- Understanding of signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) principles
- Experience with embedded systems and HW/SW integration
- Background in customer‑facing or field applications engineering roles
- Active or prior U.S. security clearance
Key Competencies
- Strong debugging and root‑cause analysis skills in complex systems
- Ability to work effectively in mission‑critical, high‑reliability environments
- Clear and concise communication with technical and customer stakeholders
- Collaborative mindset across cross‑functional engineering teams
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to technical issues
Security Clearance Requirement
This position may involve work on U.S. Government contracts that require access to controlled or classified information. Accordingly, all applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain the required security clearance may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment, consistent with applicable law.
Locations
General Support Engineer – Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Altera
Altera in Marlow is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and encourages a culture of problem-solving and teamwork. Located near central London, employees enjoy not only a dynamic workplace but also the benefits of a thriving city life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Support Engineer – Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 Altera for a General Support Engineer – Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG). 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 General Support Engineer – Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Altera, 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 Altera, 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 Altera
✨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 Altera.
✨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 Altera. 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 Altera love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
