Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh

Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo DRS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of firmware for cutting-edge defence systems and collaborate with top experts.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and shape the future of Combat Air capability.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and experience in firmware design required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

An opportunity has arisen within Leonardo Edinburgh for a Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer to work on the Global Combat Air System Programme (GCAP). This exciting role will play a significant part in maturing and delivering a mission critical component that will be installed onto the GCAP core platform. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK.

If you have a proven track record and are passionate in what you do and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem solving, we would like to hear from you.

What you'll bring:

  • Ability to analyse system level requirements and capture/derive detailed firmware requirements.
  • Ability to prepare documentation for other engineers and design reviews.
  • Experience in firmware design techniques and tools, from VHDL to place-and-route.
  • Experience FPGA architectures such as system-on-chip (e.g. Xilinx Versal).
  • Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience of working in mixed discipline teams.
  • Degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or similar engineering/science course.

Due to the nature of our work, any candidate must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of achieving full SC security clearance. Personal attributes and values are just as important to us as technical ability, so we are looking for engineers with a willingness to learn, progress and develop through our devoted technical career path.

Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us:

  • Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
  • Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
  • Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
  • All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
  • Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
  • Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
  • Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS is an excellent employer for students seeking practical experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Located in Bedford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal place for young individuals to kickstart their careers in inventory management and logistics. With hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, students can gain valuable insights while contributing to meaningful projects over their temporary tenure.

Leonardo DRS

Contact Details:

Leonardo DRS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo DRS for a Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Data Engineering
Python
SQL
ETL/ELT Processes
Data Pipeline Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo DRS, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo DRS, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo DRS.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo DRS. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo DRS love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.