At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our FPGA Academy to develop cutting-edge electronic systems and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform your engineering skills into FPGA expertise and work on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, coding experience, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
During the Academy, and following deployment, you will:
- 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
Once you have completed the Academy, as a FPGA / Firmware Engineer, you will be responsible for (with support appropriate to your development stage):
- 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
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).
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.
- 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 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 - Newcastle
Additional Locations: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy in Old Town
✨Get Involved in Aerospace Communities
Dive into aerospace forums and communities like the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Get your name out there by engaging in discussions or attending events. This can really help us showcase our passion and dedication for the field!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still studying, hit up your university's career centre. They often have connections with aerospace companies looking for trainees, and they can help us polish our interview skills or tidy up our application strategies before we jump into the field.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or designs you've worked on, such as model aircraft or research papers. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or even specialised aerospace forums can grab the attention of hiring managers at companies like Leonardo.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities on our website! Applying directly for the trainee position at Leonardo gives us a better chance of standing out, plus you'll skip the middleman and get noticed by the right people. Let's do this!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy in Old Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When crafting your CV, focus on highlighting any relevant technical skills specific to aerospace engineering. Make sure to mention any software tools you're proficient in, like CAD programs or simulation software, as these are super important in our field. Don't forget to include any projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of aerospace concepts!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Aviation:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for aerospace shine through! Talk about any experience you've had that fuels your interest—whether it's a personal project, a club at university, or even a visit to an airshow. We're looking for trainees who are as passionate about aviation as we are at Leonardo!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to aerospace or engineering, be sure to highlight them in your application. This could be anything from safety training to specific engineering courses related to aerodynamics or propulsion. They can really boost your credibility as a trainee in this specialised field!
Keep It Clear and Concise:As a trainee, your application should be straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you an ideal fit for the role. Make it easy for us at Leonardo to see why you'd be an awesome addition to the team by keeping your writing clear and organised. Remember, we appreciate a good structure!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Basics
As a trainee in aerospace engineering, make sure you nail down the fundamental concepts of aerodynamics and propulsion. You might get hit with technical questions that assess your knowledge of these areas, so revise your lecture notes and key textbooks to shine!
✨Show Off Your Projects
If you’ve worked on relevant projects, like model aircraft or CAD designs, don’t hold back! Prepare to discuss your hands-on experiences and how they relate to aerospace engineering. It’s a great way to show you’re not just book-smart but practical, too!
✨Get Familiar with Software Tools
Depending on the specifics of the position at Leonardo, you might be asked about software like MATLAB or CATIA. Brush up on these tools so you can confidently discuss your familiarity or any experience you’ve had using them in your coursework or personal projects.
✨Highlight Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your potential is what matters most! Be prepared to talk about what you’re hoping to learn during your time at Leonardo. This shows your motivation and willingness to grow, which is key for a role that’s all about taking the first steps in your career!
