At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop firmware for advanced airborne electro-optics systems using cutting-edge FPGA technology.
- Company: Join a leading firm in precision guidance and electro-optics innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on career development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, shaping next-gen products that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA design, VHDL/SystemVerilog, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a skilled FPGA Engineer to join a multi‑disciplinary team working in the Precision Guidance domain for advanced airborne electro‑optics subsystems. In this broad firmware role, you’ll be involved across the product lifecycle – from initial concept through to early life production – working with the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System‑on‑Chips (SoCs) to help shape next‑generation products.
Role Overview – What You’ll Do:
- Capture and manage firmware requirements
- FPGA design and analysis for complex airborne electro‑optics subsystems
- Produce high‑quality documentation to support other engineers and design reviews
- Develop FPGA test and FPGA integration plans
- Perform system integration alongside PCB designers and embedded software engineers
- Support all firmware designs through a structured firmware design process (training provided)
- Modify and enhance existing firmware designs and associated test benches
- Interact with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers within a broader sensor product development environment
- Hands‑on experience with FPGA technologies from one or more of: Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel), Lattice, and associated toolchains
- Strong verification skills using VHDL and/or SystemVerilog / UVM
- Ability to specify complex timing and area constraints for efficient place and route
- Capability to analyse system‑level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements
- A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar
- Experience debugging firmware and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers
- Ability to make sound technical decisions and mitigate technical risk in firmware activities
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines
- Experience with safety‑related firmware to IEC 61508
- Familiarity with Siemens EDA tools (e.g. HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa)
- Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
- Engineering experience with electro‑optic systems (e.g. cameras, thermal imagers, image processing systems/algorithms)
- Experience mentoring more junior engineers
This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting‑edge precision guidance and electro‑optic technologies within a high‑calibre engineering environment. If you have strong FPGA/firmware experience and are looking for your next role in Basildon, please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.
Lead Firmware Engineer in Basildon employer: Gi Group
Contact Detail:
Gi Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Firmware Engineer in Basildon
✨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 Lead Firmware Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or contributions to open-source firmware, make sure to highlight them during interviews. We want to see your hands-on experience with FPGAs and how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your FPGA design and verification skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to VHDL, SystemVerilog, and firmware lifecycle processes. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Firmware Engineer in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with FPGA technologies and firmware design. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in the Precision Guidance domain and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working across multiple engineering disciplines, we’d love to see examples of your strong communication skills. Whether it’s through previous teamwork experiences or documentation you’ve produced, let us know how you collaborate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gi Group
✨Know Your FPGA Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FPGA technologies, especially those mentioned in the job description like Xilinx and Microsemi. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills
Since producing high-quality documentation is key for this role, prepare examples of documentation you've created in previous positions. This could include design reviews or integration plans that highlight your attention to detail and structured approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions about firmware design processes, verification skills using VHDL/SystemVerilog, and system-level requirements analysis. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly, as strong communication skills are essential for this position.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with PCB designers and embedded software engineers, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight any mentoring you've done, as they value teamwork and knowledge sharing.