Principal Firmware Engineer

Principal Firmware Engineer

Watford Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Holt Executive Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Principal Firmware Engineer, working on cutting-edge Military Aviation products.
  • Company: Be part of a leading company in military technology, shaping the future of aviation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while collaborating with talented teams.
  • Qualifications: Proven expertise in FPGA design with VHDL/Verilog; UK nationals only due to security requirements.
  • Other info: Positions available in Luton or Edinburgh; experience with Mentor Graphics tools is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We have exciting opportunities for Senior / Principal Firmware Engineers and Lead FPGA Engineers to work on Military Aviation products. These positions can be based in Luton or Edinburgh.

We are looking for people with proven expertise in FPGA design using VHDL / Verilog.

  • Senior / Principal Firmware Engineer:
  • Experienced with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools including HDL Designer, ModelSim / Questa and Precision.
  • Familiar with Xilinx / Intel (Altera) / Microsemi (Actel) design flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus) and third-party synthesis tools.
  • Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA Place and Route.
  • Ability to analyse system and / or hardware level requirements and derive detailed Firmware requirements.
  • Independent verification using VHDL.
  • Experience of firmware requirements capture and requirements management tools.
  • De-bugging firmware designs and supporting integration & verification at hardware and system level.
  • A good understanding of firmware version control and revision control software.
  • Experience of making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for Firmware design activities.
  • Experience with High-Speed Serial protocols and implementations.
  • Lead FPGA Engineer:
    • Proven experience in FPGA engineering management and delivery of projects.
    • Excellent communicator and able to provide clear direction to FPGA teams.
    • Ability to manage complex situations with sound judgement and the ability to balance conflicting challenges.
    • Commercial and business awareness.
    • Experience of working across the full life cycle.
    • Familiarity with latest FPGA device families and verification methodologies.
    • Experienced with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools including HDL Designer, ModelSim / Questa and Precision.
    • Familiar with Xilinx / Intel (Altera) / Microsemi (Actel) design flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus) and third-party synthesis tools.
    • Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA Place and Route.
    • Ability to analyse system and / or hardware level requirements and derive detailed FPGA requirements.
    • Independent verification using VHDL.
    • Experience of FPGA requirements capture and requirements management tools.
    • De-bugging FPGA designs and supporting integration & verification at hardware and system level.
    • A good understanding of FPGA version control and revision control software.
    • Experience of making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for FPGA design activities.
    • Experience with High-Speed Serial protocols and implementations.
    • Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities.
    • Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills.
    • Linux and scripting experience.
    • Practical experience with agile methodology.
    • Experience in writing technical reports/documentation.

    Due to security requirements, these roles are open to sole UK nationals only.

    Holt Executive Ltd

    Contact Detail:

    Holt Executive Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Make sure to highlight your experience with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools in any conversations or networking opportunities. This is a key requirement for the role, and demonstrating your familiarity can set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Engage with online communities or forums related to FPGA design and firmware engineering. Networking with professionals in these spaces can provide insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed complex FPGA design challenges. Being able to articulate your problem-solving skills and technical decision-making will be crucial during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Familiarise yourself with the latest FPGA device families and verification methodologies. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry trends can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer

    FPGA Design using VHDL/Verilog
    Mentor Graphics FPGA Development Tools (HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa, Precision)
    Xilinx/Intel (Altera)/Microsemi (Actel) Design Flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus)
    Third-Party Synthesis Tools
    Timing and Area Constraints Specification
    System and Hardware Level Requirements Analysis
    Firmware Requirements Capture and Management Tools
    Independent Verification using VHDL
    Debugging Firmware Designs
    Integration and Verification at Hardware and System Level
    Firmware Version Control and Revision Control Software
    Technical Decision Making and Risk Mitigation
    High-Speed Serial Protocols and Implementations
    Excellent Communication Skills (Oral & Written)
    Interpersonal Skills
    Linux and Scripting Experience
    Agile Methodology
    Technical Report Writing

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with FPGA design, VHDL/Verilog, and the specific tools mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your application stands out.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about working in military aviation products. Mention your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Principal Firmware Engineer role.

    Showcase Technical Skills: Provide specific examples of your experience with Mentor Graphics tools, Xilinx/Intel design flows, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and suitability for the role.

    Highlight Communication Abilities: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this position, include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical information in previous roles, especially in team settings or project management.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Executive Ltd

    ✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

    Be prepared to discuss your experience with FPGA design using VHDL/Verilog in detail. Highlight specific projects where you used Mentor Graphics tools and how you managed timing and area constraints effectively.

    ✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

    Expect questions that assess your ability to analyse system requirements and derive firmware specifications. Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex technical challenges in past projects.

    ✨Communicate Clearly

    As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you'll need to lead teams and communicate effectively. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical concepts or project management strategies.

    ✨Understand the Company’s Needs

    Research the company’s military aviation products and their specific requirements. Tailor your responses to show how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in high-speed serial protocols and firmware integration.

    Principal Firmware Engineer
    Holt Executive Ltd
    Location: Watford
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