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- Tasks: Lead firmware development on cutting-edge aerospace projects and drive innovation.
- Company: Renowned aerospace firm known for ethics and veteran support.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for hands-on technical leadership.
- Why this job: Shape advanced systems and make a real impact in national security.
- 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 employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer
✨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, showcasing your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that excite you, and tailor your approach to each role to show why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and highlight any key points from your conversation.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in firmware development and VHDL. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects and achievements!
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 background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with Xilinx and Microsemi toolsets. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any specific projects where you’ve used these tools.
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!
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.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and their commitment to ethics and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding veteran support and early-career development. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth questions about design reviews and compliance with standards like RTCA/DO-254. Think of examples where you’ve led or contributed to such processes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight any experiences where you’ve driven design excellence or contributed to system architecture decisions.