At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead firmware development for cutting-edge aerospace navigation systems.
- Company: Collins Aerospace, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private health insurance, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and shape the future of aerospace technology.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Electronics Engineering and strong VHDL experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
At Collins Aerospace, precision and reliability guide everything we do. Our Bristol and Plymouth sites are centres of excellence for navigation and control systems, powering world-class innovations like MEMS-based IMUs and TERPROM® terrain navigation systems. This is your opportunity to join a pioneering engineering team - in a hybrid role based in either Plymouth or Bristol - and take a leading role in the next generation of aerospace technology.
You’ll work on high performance navigation and sensor technologies where precision, reliability, and innovation are critical.
What You Will Do?- Lead full lifecycle firmware development on new and existing products and test equipment
- Work closely with the Electronics Discipline Chief to drive continuous improvement in the firmware development process
- Support the management and maintenance of software tools used by the digital design team
- Effectively communicate firmware design and process decision to both technical and nontechnical audiences
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts in systems, software, and mechanical design to bring complex projects to life
- Participate in peer reviews for firmware
- Share your expertise, mentor colleagues, and champion continuous improvement across the digital design team
- Develop deep expertise in high performance IMU and MEMS sensor design for real world aerospace applications
- Gain hands‑on experience with formal aerospace development processes
- Work directly with cutting‑edge FPGA and mixed‑signal technologies in live aerospace systems
- Thrive in a high‑performing, collaborative engineering environment where precision meets innovation
- Opportunity to develop broader electronics skills alongside digital design work
- A minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering or a related field.
- Strong VHDL experience — including architecture, coding, simulation, and test benching (Microchip, Xilinx, SoC).
- Proven experience of working to formal design standard such as DO‑254
- Vision for continuous improvement and forward‑thinking approach
- Familiarity with Verilog/SystemVerilog, OSVVM, UVM or UVVM
- Experience in MEMS sensors, airborne electronics, or ASIC development
- Cross‑disciplinary awareness (systems, software, mechanical)
- Experience with E‑CAD tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation (e.g. Xpedition, HyperLynx, AMS)
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Excellent 2:1 matched pension contribution (up to 10%)
- Private health insurance and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus the ability to buy or sell up to 5 more
- Early finish on Fridays
- Career development, mentorship, and world‑class training opportunities
- And much more!
Are you up for the challenge? If you’re ready to make an impact in a company where innovation, precision, and purpose come together, join our mission today.
Note: The successful candidate must hold an active or be willing and eligible to obtain SC level security clearance. Please note that access to certain projects may be restricted based on nationality. RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Lead FPGA Engineer in Bristol employer: Collins Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Collins Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead FPGA Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Collins Aerospace on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your VHDL skills and understanding the latest in MEMS sensor technology. We want to show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about the innovations happening in aerospace.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your collaborative spirit! Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with cross-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Collins Aerospace.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead FPGA Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead FPGA Engineer role. Highlight your VHDL experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with 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 aerospace technology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with E-CAD tools and any familiarity with MEMS sensors or ASIC development. We’re keen on seeing how your technical expertise can help us innovate in navigation and control systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our pioneering engineering team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collins Aerospace
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with architecture, coding, simulation, and test benching. Having specific examples ready will show that you’re not just familiar with the language but can also apply it effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Understand the Aerospace Context
Familiarise yourself with the aerospace industry, especially regarding navigation and sensor technologies. Knowing how your role as a Lead FPGA Engineer fits into the bigger picture of precision and reliability in aerospace systems will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare for Technical and Non-Technical Questions
Since you'll need to communicate complex firmware designs to both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will help you showcase your communication skills and adaptability, which are crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss your experiences working with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with systems, software, or mechanical engineers, and how that contributed to project success. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a high-performing environment.