At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge VHDL firmware for advanced aircraft systems.
- 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 an impact on innovative projects while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA technologies and VHDL; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 53000 £ per year.
Job Description:
Salary Ranges
Engineer: £38k - £53k
Senior: £45k - £61k
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.
Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment. Leonardo offers additional allowances for some roles.
Your Impact:
This FPGA Firmware Engineer vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop their skills and knowledge within a thriving electronics organisation. 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.
- Perform 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 £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!
VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits including flexible working options, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, our teams in Southampton and Bristol are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace and defence projects. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment 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 or any projects showcasing your VHDL or FPGA work, make sure to have them ready. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your VHDL and FPGA knowledge. Practice common interview questions and maybe even do some mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Leonardo team.
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 is tailored to the VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with FPGA technologies and VHDL, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in areas like FPGA design and verification techniques. Mention any specific tools you’ve used, like Siemens EDA or ModelSim, as this will help us see your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨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. Practising coding problems or discussing past projects can really help you articulate your expertise.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the stages of the product lifecycle, especially in relation to firmware development. Be ready to explain how you've contributed to projects from concept to production, and think about specific examples that showcase your methodical approach to the firmware design lifecycle.
✨Communicate Clearly Across Disciplines
Since this role involves working with various teams, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with PCB designers and software engineers in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to collaborate across disciplines.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to FPGA design, timing constraints, and safety standards like IEC 61508. Review common challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle technical risks.
