At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat-air systems.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in defence and aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mission-critical environments while growing your FPGA expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or similar; experience in digital systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
What does it take to make complex EW and Future Combat Air systems react in real time, under extreme conditions? As an FPGA Design Engineer working on our EW and FCA programmes, you'll help develop the programmable logic that enables high‐speed sensing, signal processing and decision‐making in mission‐critical environments. This role combines real programme delivery with access to a structured FPGA Academy, allowing capable engineers to deepen and accelerate their FPGA expertise while contributing to live EW and combat‐air systems. Hybrid working is supported, with on‐site presence flexing to meet programme needs.
What you will do as an FPGA Design Engineer on EW and FCA programmes:
- Design, develop and verify FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat‐air systems.
- High‐speed data movement and sensor interfaces.
- Deterministic, low‐latency processing chains.
- Embedded processing using SoC devices and soft‐core processors.
- Support the delivery of FPGA solutions enabling advanced signal processing, control and real‐time data handling.
- Translate system‐level requirements into robust FPGA architectures and implementations.
- Support integration, bring‐up and debug of FPGA designs within complex hardware platforms in advanced electronics laboratories.
- Collaborate closely with hardware, systems and software teams to deliver fully integrated EW and FCA system solutions.
- Participate in design and technical reviews, and where required, support activity across UK sites or customer locations.
Alongside project delivery, you'll be supported by a structured FPGA Academy, with training modules aligned to both your existing background and the needs of the EW and FCA programmes you're supporting. Initially, you'll focus on building confidence developing and verifying FPGA designs while contributing meaningfully to EW and FCA programmes. As experience grows, you'll take ownership of larger FPGA features or processing chains, influencing architectural and implementation decisions. This role is suited to engineers with a strong technical foundation who want to build depth and confidence in FPGA development within complex system environments.
Requirements:
- Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or similar), or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience working within a structured engineering development lifecycle.
- Exposure to digital systems, programmable logic, or hardware‐proximate development.
- Aware of high‐speed interfaces and digital design concepts (e.g. Hands‐on experience supporting system‐level debug and test, using appropriate electronics tools).
- Background in defence, aerospace or other high‐reliability industries, where performance and robustness are critical.
- Security Clearance.
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.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- 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.
- 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. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer - Graduate in Luton
✨Join Aerospace Networks
Dive into aerospace engineering networks like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Royal Aeronautical Society. These communities are perfect for entry-level folks like us to connect with industry professionals and keep our eyes peeled for job openings or valuable resources.
✨Attend Industry Events
Make sure you check out aerospace conferences, job fairs, and expos happening in your area—it's a goldmine for entry-level opportunities! Events like the Farnborough International Airshow can help us get face-time with companies and learn about what they’re looking for in fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Get your hands on some aerospace-related projects or internships, even if they’re on a smaller scale. We can easily showcase them online, whether it's on a portfolio website or through platforms like GitHub, to grab the attention of potential employers like Leonardo.
✨Look for Company-Specific Internships
Keep an eye out for entry-level job postings on companies' career pages, especially during undergrad recruiting seasons. Places like Leonardo often have specific programmes designed to attract and train eager minds like ours, so let’s not miss out on those opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer - Graduate in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Projects:When applying for an entry-level aerospace engineering role like Design Engineer - Graduate at Leonardo, make sure to highlight any university projects, internships, or design work related to aerodynamics or materials science. We want to see your hands-on experience, even if it’s just through your coursework!
Emphasise Your Technical Skills:In aerospace engineering, showcasing your technical skills is essential. Make sure to include software like CAD or MATLAB on your CV, along with any robotics or simulations you’ve worked on. Let's demonstrate that you have the technical chops for this role!
Show Passion for the Industry:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you want to join the aerospace world at Leonardo. Tell us about any relevant hobbies, such as model building or involvement in engineering clubs. We love to see candidates who are as passionate about aerospace as we are!
Tailor Your CV to Aerospace Engineering:Don’t forget to tailor your CV specifically for this entry-level position. Put the most relevant experience at the top and make sure it's easy to see how you align with the requirements of Design Engineer - Graduate. Clear, concise formatting is key—and remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
Make sure we’ve revised the core principles of aerospace engineering before our interview at Leonardo. Expect technical questions that test our understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials. Being able to discuss projects or theories we've studied can really help showcase our knowledge.
✨Prepare for Hands-on Assessments
Since it's an entry-level role, it’s likely we'll face some hands-on tasks or practical assessments during the interview. Familiarise ourselves with CAD software or simulation tools commonly used in aerospace design. Showing off our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations can definitely give us an edge.
✨Highlight Our Passion for the Industry
Being entry-level, it’s key for us to convey our enthusiasm for aerospace engineering. Let’s think about why we chose this field and any recent developments in the industry that excite us. A genuine passion can sometimes outweigh experience for companies like Leonardo.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
Given the collaborative nature of aerospace projects, we should come prepared with examples of how we’ve worked in teams or solved complex problems. Whether it’s a university project or a fun personal project, illustrating our ability to work well with others can really set us apart in the eyes of the interviewers at Leonardo.
