At a Glance
- Tasks: Design secure firmware and tackle complex engineering challenges in Defence technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for security, eagerness to learn, and technical knowledge of firmware.
The predicted salary is between 37400 - 53550 £ per year.
Salary: 37,400 to 53,550 / Senior: 45,200 to 61,950 / Principal: 53,300 to 71,400 / Lead: 59,400 to 84,995. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market.
Your impact: Technology in Defence is rapidly evolving, and so are the risks to capabilities and success through an ever-changing security landscape. As customers demand higher levels of resilience in the products we create, our approach to securing systems and products needs to change with it.
We are looking for an FPGA Engineer to join us in shaping the next generation of secure, resilient Defence technology. You’ll be part of a team tackling complex engineering challenges, developing your skills, and helping protect critical national capabilities.
What you’ll bring: Your work at Leonardo will see you addressing security risks in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. You will work as part of a collaborative team supporting engineering delivery, aiding the design and development of new products and systems by providing guidance to ensure the customer’s capabilities remain secure.
Key responsibility areas involve:
- Designing secure firmware cores to flow down to engineering teams, and supporting integration
- Reviewing documentation such as design documents, system specifications, and risk profiles to identify potential vulnerabilities and propose appropriately secure solutions
- Working with solution architects and engineers to ensure that systems meet stringent Design Integrity and security standards and satisfy relevant accreditation requirements
- Participating in wider customer forums, to review security topics
What we need from you: We welcome people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need to be an expert in everything—we value curiosity, enthusiasm for secure systems, and a willingness to learn. If you’re excited by secure firmware and feel you can contribute—even if you don’t meet every requirement—we encourage you to apply.
A passion for security and problem solving
Eagerness to learn and adapt to changing technologies
Technical knowledge of secure firmware/embedded software and integration with electronics
Knowledge of digital electronics
Knowledge of developing designs for AMD, Microsemi and/or Intel FPGAs
Knowledge of firmware simulation and verification tools
Knowledge of scripting, using TCL and/or Python
Knowledge of concepts such as Isolated Design Flow, encryption, and secure boot
Understanding of the engineering product development lifecycle
Though not essential to succeed in the role, the following may also be useful:
- A working practical knowledge of NCSC CAPS Evaluation processes and practices with awareness of generic Secure by Design Principles as presented by NCSC, UK MOD and NIST
- Practical experience of following DevSecOps lifecycles for embedded software/firmware
- Experience in safety-critical engineering and/or developing embedded software/firmware to High Assurance requirements such as DO-178C/DO-254 standards or equivalent
- Knowledge and experience of complex cryptography, especially implementing algorithms or utilising the approved cryptographic functions within FPGAs to create higher level security controls.
- An understanding of developing cyber resilient products by addressing the 4 phases of resilience: Prepare, Absorb, Recover and Adapt
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) will apply, this will include meeting the eligibility requirements for Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us: At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo 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. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Newcastle
Additional Locations: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary Job number: R0026984 Date posted: 2026-06-22 Profession: Engineering Employment type: Full time
Security 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Leonardo DRS, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Leonardo DRS
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Leonardo DRS. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Firmware/FPGA Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Leonardo DRS insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Leonardo DRS that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Leonardo DRS to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Leonardo DRS.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
