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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop VHDL firmware for cutting-edge aircraft sensor systems.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA technologies and VHDL required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This FPGA Firmware Engineer vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop their skills and knowledge within a thriving electronics organisation.
Your Impact
In this broad VHDL firmware engineering role, you will work across a range of projects throughout various stages of the product lifecycle from initial concept development through to early life production. You will work with some of the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System‑on‑Chips (SoCs) to help shape our future products. The role shall be based in either Southampton or Bristol with a primary focus on the design and development of embedded VHDL firmware for complex aircraft sensor and communication systems. You will be part of the Leonardo Airborne Communications product development group within the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business, interacting with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers.
What you will do
- Firmware requirements capture and management.
- FPGA design and analysis.
- Production of documentation for other engineers and evidence for design reviews.
- Development of FPGA test and FPGA integration plans.
- Performs system integration work with PCB designers and embedded software engineers.
- Support all firmware designs through the company firmware process – training will be given.
- Modification of existing firmware designs and test benches.
What you’ll bring
- Experience using FPGA technologies especially from either Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools.
- Advanced verification techniques using either VHDL or System Verilog/UVM.
- Specifying complex timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route.
- Ability to analyse system level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements.
- A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured firmware process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar.
- Experience of working on safety related firmware to IEC 61508 would be advantageous.
- De‑bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers.
- Making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for firmware design activities.
- Ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines both verbally and in written form.
- Familiarity with Siemens EDA FPGA development tools including HDL Designer and ModelSim/Questa is an advantage.
It would be nice if you had
- Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints.
- Engineering experience with radio‑based communication systems.
- Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team.
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
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 ÂŁ500 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!
Locations
- GB - Southampton
- GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type
Permanent Hybrid Working
VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at Leonardo. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or relevant work, bring it along to interviews. Demonstrating your experience with VHDL and FPGA technologies can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of FPGA design and verification techniques. Being able to discuss your approach to complex firmware challenges will impress the interviewers.
✨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, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with FPGA technologies and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about firmware engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with safety-related firmware and any specific tools you’ve used.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application showcases your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, we want to see how you can interact across different disciplines.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with FPGA technologies and how you've applied advanced verification techniques. They’ll likely want to hear about specific projects where you’ve used these skills.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the stages of the product lifecycle, especially in relation to firmware design. Be ready to talk about how you’ve contributed to projects from concept development to production, and how you manage firmware requirements effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly Across Disciplines
Since this role involves working with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with PCB designers or software engineers, and be ready to showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas simply.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to FPGA design, system integration, and debugging. Review common challenges faced in firmware design and think through how you would approach solving them. This will show your methodical approach and problem-solving skills.