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- Tasks: Lead firmware development for cutting-edge aerospace navigation systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join Collins Aerospace, a leader in precision and innovation in aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private health insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of aerospace technology while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Electronics Engineering, strong VHDL experience, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship in a dynamic engineering environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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.
We’re looking for a Lead FPGA Engineer ready to take a leading role in shaping the next generation of aerospace systems. 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
What You’ll Learn:
- 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
What You Must Have:
- 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
- Excellent communication skills
- Vision for continuous improvement and forward-thinking approach
Skills & Experience We Value:
- 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)
What We Can Offer You:
- 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.
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 Exeter employer: Collins Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Collins Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead FPGA Engineer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace industry, especially those working with FPGA tech. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your VHDL projects and any relevant work you've done. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to firmware development and aerospace systems. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead FPGA Engineer in Exeter
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 your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can break down complex ideas into simple terms!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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 our company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collins Aerospace
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
As a Lead FPGA Engineer, you'll need to showcase your strong VHDL experience. Brush up on architecture, coding, simulation, and test benching. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Excellent communication skills are a must for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to convey firmware design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this position. Think of examples where you've worked with multidisciplinary teams, such as systems, software, and mechanical design experts. Highlight how you contributed to the success of a project through teamwork and shared expertise.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company values a forward-thinking approach. Prepare to discuss how you've championed continuous improvement in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've driven enhancements in firmware development processes or mentored colleagues to elevate team performance.