Principal and Lead FPGA Engineers

Job Description
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). For more information and guidance please visit:
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
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