At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat-air systems.
- Company: Join a leading defence and aerospace company with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Access to 4,000+ online courses and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mission-critical environments while advancing your FPGA expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or similar, plus relevant experience.
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. Based primarily in Luton, 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.
- 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.
- Awareness of high‑speed interfaces and digital design concepts.
- 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.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
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 Experienced FPGA Design Engineer in Luton
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We think you need these skills to ace Experienced FPGA Design Engineer in Luton
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.
