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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 dynamic 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 - Hybrid Working employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer - Hybrid Working
✨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 highlight how your skills can contribute to their innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer - Hybrid Working
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 tools like Xilinx and Microsemi. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in past projects.
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 Firmware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL development and verification methodologies. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with FPGA design, especially using Xilinx and Microsemi toolsets. The more specific examples you can provide about your past projects, the better!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading design reviews and driving design excellence, prepare to share instances where you've taken charge of a project or guided a team. Highlight how you ensured quality and compliance in your previous work, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's focus on safety-critical programmes and their commitment to innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise can contribute to both existing platforms and next-generation technologies. This shows that you're not just technically skilled but also aligned with their strategic goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to firmware development, simulation, and verification strategies. Brush up on relevant standards like RTCA/DO-254, and be ready to explain how you've applied these in your work. Practising common technical interview questions can help you feel more confident.