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- Tasks: Lead firmware development and verification for cutting-edge aerospace projects.
- Company: Innovative aerospace firm known for ethics and veteran support.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative teams and strategic involvement in complex engineering solutions.
- Why this job: Shape advanced systems and drive innovation in a high-impact engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics Engineering and strong FPGA design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Important: All applicants must be eligible for security clearance.
Working: The role offers flexible & hybrid working. It would be beneficial to be on-site 3 days a week.
The Opportunity: Are you an experienced Firmware Engineer ready to take on complex, high-impact projects in a cutting-edge engineering environment? This is an opportunity to step into a role where your expertise will shape advanced systems and drive innovation across the full development lifecycle. You'll work on sophisticated, safety-critical programmes, contributing to both existing platforms and next-generation technologies. This role offers the chance to operate at a strategic level whilst remaining hands-on with design, verification, and technical leadership.
The Company: Consistently recognised for ethics, veteran support, early-career development, and innovation, while delivering some of the most trusted programmes in aerospace and national security. Chosen for some of the most complex, single-award defence programmes, showing clear evidence of proven delivery, technical depth, and trusted security expertise.
Role Responsibilities:
- Leading firmware development and verification activities, primarily using VHDL
- Driving design excellence through end-to-end lifecycle involvement, from concept through to delivery
- Leading internal and external design reviews, ensuring quality, compliance, and best practice
- Contributing to system architecture decisions, where firmware plays a critical role
- Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex engineering solutions
- Applying and supporting compliance with relevant standards, including RTCA/DO-254
Experience needed:
- Degree-level education in Electronics Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Strong experience in FPGA design and implementation for complex systems
- Proven expertise in VHDL development and verification methodologies
- Hands-on experience with Xilinx (Vivado) and ideally Microsemi (Libero) toolsets
- Solid understanding of simulation, test benches, and verification strategies
- Experience working with 3rd party IP cores
- Familiarity with requirements capture, estimation, and work package definition
- Exposure to DO-254 or similar regulated development environments (desirable)
- Knowledge of video processing/interfaces is a plus
Even if you feel like you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to reach out and apply.
Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brighton employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brighton
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in firmware engineering. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's through a portfolio or GitHub, let your work speak for itself. We want to see your hands-on experience with VHDL and FPGA design, so make sure to highlight those complex systems you've worked on.
✨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 Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with VHDL, FPGA design, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in complex systems. We want to see how your background aligns 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 firmware engineering and how your expertise can contribute to our innovative projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Xilinx and Microsemi toolsets. Mention any specific projects where you’ve led design reviews or contributed to system architecture decisions. We’re keen on seeing your practical knowledge!
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 and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL development and FPGA design skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex systems. This will show that you not only have the technical know-how but also practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading firmware development and design reviews, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to drive design excellence and ensure compliance with standards like RTCA/DO-254.
✨Get Familiar with the Company
Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to innovation in aerospace and national security. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project timelines, and the technologies they use. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.