At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA and firmware development for secure defence technology projects.
- Company: Specialist engineering team focused on national security applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical cover, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Proven FPGA experience, strong VHDL skills, and leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Principal FPGA Engineer
Location: Berkshire Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Bonus: Annual bonus scheme Working pattern: Full time, primarily onsite
We are looking for an experienced Principal FPGA Engineer to join a specialist engineering team developing highly secure technology for demanding defence and national security applications.
This is a senior technical position for an engineer who can take ownership of FPGA and firmware development across the full engineering lifecycle, while providing technical leadership and guidance to other engineers.
You will work across requirements, architecture, design, implementation, integration, verification and validation, helping to deliver robust FPGA based solutions within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
The role
As a Principal FPGA Engineer, you will
- Lead the architecture, design, development, integration and verification of FPGA and firmware systems
- Translate systems and user requirements into clear, robust firmware requirements
- Develop FPGA designs using VHDL
- Provide technical leadership to a team of FPGA and firmware engineers
- Lead and contribute to design reviews, technical reviews and engineering activities
- Produce technical documentation including specifications, design documentation, reports and proposals
- Develop and maintain requirements traceability and verification methodologies
- Estimate engineering work and support predictable technical delivery
- Identify and implement improvements to FPGA development processes and engineering practices
- Provide specialist FPGA and firmware knowledge across the wider engineering team
- Mentor and support less experienced engineers
- Work closely with systems, hardware, software and project engineering teams
- Take responsibility for technical delivery with limited supervision
- Undertake the role of Firmware Lead when required, providing technical direction to a team of firmware engineers
Essential experience
We are looking for an experienced FPGA engineer with
- Proven experience across the full FPGA or firmware development lifecycle
- Strong commercial experience developing FPGA designs using VHDL
- Experience working with Xilinx, Lattice, Altera or Microsemi FPGAs
- Experience with FPGA development tools and EDA toolchains
- Strong understanding of FPGA verification and test
- Experience applying structured engineering development methodologies such as the V Model
- Experience designing synchronous and asynchronous digital systems
- Ability to provide technical leadership to FPGA or firmware engineers
- Experience with communications interfaces and protocols including UART, USART, SPI, I2C, TCP/IP or UDP
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics
- Experience with version control, configuration management and defect tracking systems
- Strong understanding of requirements, design, integration, verification and validation
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non technical stakeholders
- Strong organisation and self management skills, with the ability to manage multiple engineering activities simultaneously
Desirable experience
The following would be advantageous
- Previous experience within defence, aerospace or national security
- Experience developing cryptographic, secure communications or high assurance systems
- Experience working on military or defence related equipment
- Digital electronics and digital logic design experience
- Experience with continuous integration and automated testing
- Experience with DOORS or Enterprise Architect
- Familiarity with engineering standards and development practices used within defence, aerospace or safety critical environments
- Senior FPGA Engineers considered
We are also open to exceptionally strong Senior FPGA Engineers who are ready to take the next step into a Principal position.
If you have strong VHDL and FPGA experience, have already taken technical ownership of projects or supported and mentored other engineers, we would be interested in speaking with you.
Security clearance
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
Candidates will also need to meet the relevant UK security and residency requirements for DV clearance.
Benefits
- Annual bonus scheme
- Private medical cover
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits
- Flexible working arrangements where appropriate
- Security clearance allowance where applicable
This is an opportunity to work on technically challenging FPGA and firmware projects where engineering quality, security and reliability are critical.
If you are an experienced FPGA Engineer, Principal FPGA Engineer, FPGA Design Engineer, Firmware Engineer or Digital Design Engineer with strong VHDL experience, we would be interested in hearing from you
Principal FPGA Engineer in Slough employer: Copello
As a Contracts & Subcontracts Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while being part of a supportive team in the vibrant cities of Gloucester or Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal FPGA Engineer in Slough
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal FPGA Engineer role you’re after at Copello.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Copello a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Copello.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal FPGA Engineer at Copello, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal FPGA Engineer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal FPGA Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Copello a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Copello specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Copello, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Copello want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
