At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA/Firmware teams to deliver complex embedded solutions for cutting-edge defence systems.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant fields or equivalent experience; familiarity with FPGA design tools required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Your impact
Would you like to deliver the complex Firmware that forms part of our self-protection systems installed on fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms? Do you have experience leading Firmware teams or delivering highly complex embedded solutions?
Leonardo is looking for Lead and Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineers to join our growing Luton or Bristol based teams. As an experienced FPGA/Firmware engineer you will work with experts in their field, using world-class facilities to deliver Firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements. Your role may even take you across the UK or abroad for technical reviews. You will use or develop team leading experience to support the delivery of work from several engineers. Your expertise will also be key to enhance processes and ways of working across UK wide FPGA/Firmware delivery teams.
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;
- 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:
- An HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree (Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics) or you may just have lots of skills and experience gained through your hard work.
- Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog and UVM.
- FPGA architectures such as Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale; Intel (Altera) or Microsemi (Actel).
- Fast interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD is also required.
- Auto-generated code using model driven engineering using Matlab and Simulink tools.
- Derivation of detailed FPGA/Firmware requirements and architecture from system requirements.
- A structured approach to FPGA/firmware design (RTCA DO-254 or similar).
- Cryptography and anti-tamper techniques.
- Artificial Intelligence including machine learning and genetic algorithms.
- Electronics test methods and equipment.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
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 (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!
Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal And Lead Fpga Engineers in Gillingham
✨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 Principal And Lead Fpga Engineers. 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 Principal And Lead Fpga Engineers in Gillingham
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.
