Security Firmware/FPGA Engineer

Salary: £38,000 to £53,550. 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. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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. Through engagement with engineering teams and customers, you will develop solutions that address security concerns while providing value to the customer based on risk balance. Utilising a focus of supporting the customer to achieve their goals, you will aim to deliver the best possible solutions balanced against the programme constraints.

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).

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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• 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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

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!