At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge FPGA firmware for advanced airborne systems.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in precision guidance technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that shape the future of aerospace technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA technologies and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Leonardo, we are excited to be recruiting for a skilled FPGA Engineer to work within a multi‑disciplinary team for our Precision Guidance area. In this broad FPGA 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 Basildon with a primary focus on the design and development of embedded VHDL firmware for complex airborne electro‑optics subsystems. 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 we are looking for:
- 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 electro‑optic systems - e.g. cameras, thermal imagers and/or image processing systems/algorithms.
- 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).
Life at Leonardo: With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.
Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning.
Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below.
Primary Location: GB - Basildon.
Contract Type: Employee-Permanent.
Hybrid Working: Hybrid.
Missile Seeker FPGA Firmware Engineer in Essex employer: Leonardo
Leonardo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and inclusion, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive mental health support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company fosters growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member can develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Missile Seeker FPGA Firmware Engineer in Essex
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo for a Missile Seeker FPGA Firmware Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Missile Seeker FPGA Firmware Engineer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
