At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop FPGA systems for space and defence applications.
- Company: Join a leading team innovating in the space and defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work-life balance, market-leading salary, and personal development support.
- Why this job: Be part of cutting-edge projects that make a real impact in challenging environments.
- Qualifications: Must have SC clearance, a degree in Engineering, and FPGA development experience.
- Other info: Follow us on Instagram for insights into the space and satellite industry.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: South Wales | Full-Time | SC Clearance Required
What We Offer:
- Flexible work/life balance to support you inside and outside of work
- Market-leading salary tailored to your experience
- Annual profit share & share options so you grow with us
- Personal development, health and wellbeing support
- …and much more – because we know brilliant work starts with a brilliant team
About the Role:
We’re looking for a skilled FPGA Engineer with a strong background in digital design and a current Security Clearance (SC level) to join our growing team at the forefront of space and defence innovation. You’ll play a critical role in designing, implementing, and testing FPGA solutions for high-reliability systems operating in some of the most challenging environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and develop FPGA-based digital systems for space and defence applications
- Implement and verify VHDL/Verilog code using industry-standard tools
- Perform simulations, synthesis, and timing analysis to ensure performance and reliability
- Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software engineers throughout the full development lifecycle
- Generate and maintain design documentation, test plans, and reports in line with engineering standards
- Support integration, validation, and testing of FPGA systems in lab and field environments
- Contribute to design reviews and provide technical input to stakeholders
Requirements:
- Current Security Clearance (SC level) – essential
- Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related field
- Proven experience in FPGA development using VHDL or Verilog
- Familiarity with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus)
- Understanding of hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet
- Experience with test benches, simulation tools, and debugging techniques
- Strong understanding of signal integrity, timing constraints, and high-reliability design principles
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, high-assurance engineering environment
Desirable:
- Experience in space-grade or military-standard (e.g., DO-254, ECSS, DEF STAN) projects
- Knowledge of radiation-tolerant FPGA architectures
- Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time processing
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer employer: Cosmic Careers
Contact Detail:
Cosmic Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your current Security Clearance (SC level) in any conversations or networking opportunities. This is a crucial requirement for the role, and mentioning it upfront can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with professionals in the space and defence sector on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to showcase your expertise in FPGA development and digital design, which can help you get noticed by recruiters.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend industry conferences or workshops focused on FPGA technology and space applications. Networking at these events can lead to valuable connections and insights about job openings that may not be advertised widely.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the specific FPGA toolchains mentioned in the job description, such as Xilinx Vivado and Intel Quartus. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with FPGA development, VHDL/Verilog coding, and any relevant projects in the space and defence sector. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your technical skills but also your passion for working in the space and defence sector. Mention your current Security Clearance and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Projects: In your application, include specific examples of past projects where you designed or implemented FPGA solutions. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in high-reliability environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an engineering role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cosmic Careers
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with VHDL or Verilog in detail. Bring examples of past projects where you've designed and implemented FPGA solutions, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Company’s Focus
Research the company’s work in the space and defence sector. Familiarise yourself with their projects and technologies, especially those related to high-reliability systems, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to FPGA development, such as timing analysis, signal integrity, and debugging techniques. Brush up on these topics and be ready to solve problems on the spot, as practical assessments may be part of the interview process.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves working with multi-disciplinary teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with hardware, systems, and software engineers in previous roles. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to contribute to design reviews.