Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brockley

Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brockley

Brockley Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Defence

At a Glance

  • 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 Brockley employer: Defence

As a Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) at our company, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to shaping the future of aerospace and national security. We pride ourselves on our flexible and hybrid working environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, while offering robust support for career development and ethical practices. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a focus on impactful projects, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies in a supportive and forward-thinking workplace.

Defence

Contact Details:

Defence Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brockley

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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in firmware engineering. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those involving VHDL and FPGA design.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for the field! During interviews, share your enthusiasm for working on complex, safety-critical programmes and how you can contribute to innovative solutions. Let them see that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to make an impact.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Brockley

Firmware Development
VHDL
FPGA Design
Verification Methodologies
Xilinx (Vivado)
Microsemi (Libero)
Simulation and Test Benches

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with FPGA design, VHDL development, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills. 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 this role and how your expertise can contribute to our cutting-edge projects. Be sure to mention any experience with safety-critical programmes or compliance standards like DO-254.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your hands-on experience with tools like Xilinx (Vivado) and Microsemi (Libero). We love seeing specific examples of your work, so include details about your involvement in design reviews and verification activities.

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 team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Defence

Know Your VHDL Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you've used VHDL in firmware development. Having specific examples ready will show your expertise and confidence.

Understand the Company’s Projects

Research the company’s current and past projects, especially those related to aerospace and national security. This will help you understand their focus areas and allow you to tailor your answers to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that dive deep into FPGA design and verification methodologies. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as this will showcase your ability to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since the role involves leading design reviews and driving design excellence, be ready to discuss your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've guided teams through challenges and contributed to successful project outcomes.