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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) employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA)
✨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 those interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience with VHDL and FPGA design. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your collaborative skills! In this role, working within multidisciplinary teams is key, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others to deliver complex engineering solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your FPGA design experience and VHDL expertise, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about firmware engineering and how your background aligns with our projects. Be specific about your hands-on experience and leadership in complex systems.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of past projects where you've led firmware development or worked on safety-critical programmes. This will help us see your impact and technical depth in action.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your FPGA design and VHDL development skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex systems. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨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!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to firmware development and verification methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of simulation, test benches, and compliance with standards like RTCA/DO-254. Practising these topics will help you feel more confident.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to lead design reviews and contribute to system architecture decisions, as teamwork is key in this position.