At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop high-reliability FPGA firmware for complex systems.
- Company: Leading tech organisation focused on mission-critical systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for technical leadership.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge technology that makes a real impact in regulated industries.
- Qualifications: Experience in FPGA design, VHDL, and safety-critical standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading technology organisation delivering advanced, mission-critical systems into highly regulated environments is seeking FPGA/Firmware Engineers, at Senior and Principal level, to join its growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to work across the full development lifecycle, contributing to both existing platforms and next-generation programmes. The role offers exposure to complex, safety-critical systems where firmware plays a central role in overall system performance. Candidates from defence, aerospace, automotive, rail, or other regulated industries are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Role
You will play a key role in delivering high-reliability firmware solutions, working within a multidisciplinary engineering team. This position offers the opportunity to influence design decisions, mentor others, and contribute to technical strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design, development, and verification of FPGA firmware (primarily using VHDL)
- Working in accordance with safety-critical development standards (e.g. DO-254)
- Leading and contributing to design reviews across the development lifecycle
- Supporting system architecture definition, ensuring firmware integration is optimised
- Driving best practice in firmware engineering, verification, and documentation
- Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver project objectives
Key Skills & Experience
We are looking for engineers with strong technical depth and experience across FPGA development:
- Significant experience in FPGA design and implementation for complex systems
- Strong proficiency in VHDL development
- Experience with simulation, verification, and testbench creation
- Hands-on experience with Xilinx toolchains (e.g. Vivado)
- Experience integrating and working with 3rd party IP cores
- Familiarity with Microchip / Microsemi FPGA tools (e.g. Libero) is advantageous
- Understanding of requirements capture, estimation, and work package definition
- Experience working within or exposure to DO-254 or other safety-critical standards
- Any exposure to video processing, interfaces, or related standards is beneficial
About You
You will be a motivated and adaptable engineer who thrives in complex environments:
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Electronics, Engineering, or a related discipline
- Proven experience in FPGA / firmware engineering within regulated or complex industries
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work on high-complexity technical challenges
- Comfortable leading technical activities and influencing stakeholders
- Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to delivery
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is advantageous, but not essential.
What's on Offer
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, safety-critical technology. A collaborative and technically advanced engineering environment. Clear path for career progression and technical leadership. Support for professional development and accreditation. Competitive salary and benefits package.
Interested?
If you are an experienced FPGA / Firmware Engineer looking to take the next step in your career and work on meaningful, high-impact systems, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Saint Leonards-on-Sea employer: Gattaca
Join a leading technology organisation that prioritises innovation and excellence in delivering advanced, mission-critical systems. With a collaborative work culture and a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to influence design decisions and mentor others while working on cutting-edge, safety-critical technology. The company offers a clear path for career progression, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, conferences, or online webinars related to FPGA and firmware engineering. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your FPGA projects and any relevant work you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in VHDL and safety-critical systems, so make it shine!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of DO-254 standards and FPGA design principles. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
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, especially with VHDL, and any work you've done in regulated industries like defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about firmware engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills and technical depth.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't shy away from detailing your hands-on experience with Xilinx toolchains and any familiarity with safety-critical standards like DO-254. We want to see how you can contribute to our complex systems!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gattaca
✨Know Your FPGA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your FPGA design and implementation skills, especially in VHDL. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these skills, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Safety Standards
Since the role involves working with safety-critical systems, it’s crucial to understand standards like DO-254. Prepare examples of how you've adhered to such standards in past projects, and be ready to discuss their importance in your work.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to tackle technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of complex challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your capability to handle high-complexity technical challenges.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your teamwork experiences and how you've influenced design decisions or mentored others. Show that you can communicate effectively and work well with various stakeholders.
