At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA design and implementation, ensuring high-quality digital systems.
- Company: Join Cambridge Aerospace, a fast-growing defence tech company on a vital mission.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging all to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with top engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in FPGA design, Verilog, and system-level decision-making required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are looking for a Senior FPGA Engineer to take technical ownership of complex FPGA‑based designs, from early architecture through implementation, verification, and hardware bring‑up. This role is suited to an experienced engineer who is comfortable making system‑level design decisions, mentoring others, and delivering robust, production‑ready RTL, while remaining actively hands‑on in Verilog, simulation, and debugging. You will work on high‑performance digital systems, potentially interfacing with RF, mixed‑signal, or high‑speed domains, and will play a key role in setting design quality and verification standards within the team.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of FPGA solutions using Verilog HDL
- Translate system‑level requirements into clear, maintainable RTL architectures
- Own complete design blocks from concept through to deployed hardware
- Review and guide Verilog written by other engineers, setting best practices
- Define and contribute to verification strategies, including self‑checking testbenches
- Support FPGA bring‑up, debugging and performance validation on real hardware
- Work closely with hardware, RF, and embedded software teams to ensure clean integration
- Contribute to technical planning and risk reduction for future designs
- Provide technical mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers
Requirements
- Deep understanding of Clock‑domain crossing and reset strategies
- Pipelined architectures and timing closure
- FSM design, datapaths, and control logic
- Experience with modern FPGA tools (e.g. Xilinx Vivado; Intel Quartus)
- Confidence debugging across RTL, simulation and hardware
- Design and implementation of DSP blocks
Nice to have
- Experience with RF or mixed‑signal systems
- ADCs/DACs, clocking architectures, JESD‑style interfaces
- Digital modulation concepts
- Familiarity with Linux/device tree configuration
- Experience with Python‑based verification
- Familiarity with high‑speed or SoC‑based FPGA platforms
- Hands‑on lab experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and RF test equipment
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low‑cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence. We’re building low‑cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery. We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission. If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
Senior FPGA Engineer in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Aerospace
Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer for Senior FPGA Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. With competitive compensation, private medical and dental benefits, and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship opportunities, we foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. Join us in our mission to revolutionise defence technology while working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, all within the vibrant tech hub of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FPGA Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your FPGA projects, including any complex designs you've worked on. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of your expertise and hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Verilog and debugging skills. Practice explaining your design decisions and how you approach problem-solving. Being able to articulate your thought process is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our goals and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior FPGA Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with Verilog and FPGA design. We want to see how you've tackled complex projects and what technical decisions you've made in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and responsibilities, especially when it comes to system-level design and verification strategies. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to high-performance digital systems and any mentoring you've done. This shows us you understand what we're looking for and that you're genuinely interested.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Aerospace
✨Know Your FPGA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FPGA design, especially in Verilog HDL. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex designs, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Debugging Skills
Since debugging is a key part of the role, be ready to share specific examples of how you've debugged RTL and hardware issues in the past. Highlight your experience with tools like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus, and any hands-on lab experience you have with oscilloscopes or logic analyzers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship
This position involves mentoring junior engineers, so think about times when you've led a team or guided others. Be prepared to discuss your approach to setting best practices and how you ensure quality in design and verification.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and how your role as a Senior FPGA Engineer fits into it. Be ready to discuss how your technical decisions can impact system-level design and contribute to the overall goals of the company.
