At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our FPGA Academy to develop your skills in cutting-edge electronic systems design.
- Company: Leonardo, a leader in advanced technology and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: 16-week training programme with hands-on projects and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform your engineering skills into impactful FPGA solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; coding experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Your Impact
Are you looking for a change of role and are wondering if a move into FPGA (Field‑Programmable Gate Array) design might be for you? Leonardo provides a route to develop your existing skills in our on‑site FPGA Academy, to allow you to become a full‑time Senior FPGA / Firmware Engineer. You’ll then apply your talents to a range of cutting edge designs in our world class Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems (RATS) team.
About The FPGA Academy
The FPGA Academy is a 16‑week structured training and development programme designed for engineers with transferable technical skill sets (such as electronic engineering, embedded software, or systems engineering) who wish to transition into FPGA / Firmware Engineering. The Academy provides focused technical training, mentored practical exercises, and hands‑on project work. On successful completion, engineers are deployed across a range of complex design projects, contributing to real systems alongside experienced FPGA and Electronics engineers. This programme is not intended for absolute beginners; it is aimed at capable engineers with strong fundamentals and proven problem‑solving ability who can quickly adapt and progress.
About The Role
As an FPGA Academy Engineer, you will re‑skill into a FPGA / Firmware engineering role and apply your existing engineering and coding experience to the design, implementation, and verification of complex electronic systems. You will learn how to translate requirements into robust FPGA‑based solutions and work within established engineering processes suitable for high‑reliability and mission‑critical applications.
What You’ll Do During the Academy
- Undertake a structured 16‑week FPGA training programme combining Practical labs
- Mentored design exercises
- Online training material and self‑led research
- Apply systems thinking to hardware design challenges
- Post training deployment into established engineering teams
Responsibilities After Completion (as FPGA / Firmware Engineer)
- Hardware requirements, capture and management
- Concept development for complex functions and systems
- FPGA design, implementation, and analysis
- Applying verification techniques using VHDL or SystemVerilog, with exposure to UVM where applicable
- Production of material for design reviews
- Development of test planning, integration, and design verification activities
- Ensuring all firmware designs comply with the company firmware development process
- Working with FPGA technologies and tools from AMD, Altera, or Microchip
What You’ll Bring
- A degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferred) or a related science (e.g. Physics)
- Coding experience, such as Embedded C / C++, Python / scripting languages, Low‑level or real‑time software, algorithmic or systems‑level programming
- Proven engineering problem‑solving experience, demonstrated through academic projects, industrial experience or personal / independent engineering work
- Strong digital engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn quickly
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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Benefits
- 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 part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Location
Primary: GB - Newcastle Additional: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy employer: Leonardo
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for engineers to transition into FPGA design through our structured FPGA Academy. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide extensive training, mentorship, and hands-on project experience, all within a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our Newcastle location boasts flexible working options, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that our employees thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Leonardo, especially those in the FPGA Academy. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your engineering projects, especially any coding or design work. This will help us stand out during interviews and demonstrate our hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get familiar with common FPGA design tools and languages like VHDL or SystemVerilog. We can find online resources or courses to brush up on these skills before the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our CV and cover letter to match the job description perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant skills and experiences that align with the FPGA role. We want to see how your background in electronic engineering or coding can translate into this new position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in transitioning to FPGA design and how your problem-solving abilities make you a great fit for our Academy.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects related to embedded systems or coding, be sure to mention them. We love seeing practical examples of your work and how you've tackled engineering challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing your potential as an FPGA Academy Engineer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your FPGA Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of FPGA design principles and relevant programming languages like VHDL or SystemVerilog. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about transitioning into this role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you tackled engineering challenges. Highlight how you applied your coding skills or engineering fundamentals to solve complex problems, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research Leonardo and their projects, especially in Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems. Understanding their work will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest in contributing to their team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the FPGA Academy and the types of projects you might work on. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
