At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge FPGA systems for defence applications using OpenCPI.
- Company: Join Akkodis, a global leader in engineering and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with advanced engineering teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in FPGA design, VHDL, and familiarity with OpenCPI frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
Akkodis is a global leader in engineering, technology, and R&D, enabling digital transformation through connected data and advanced engineering expertise. We are currently seeking a Firmware / FPGA Engineer to join our UK engineering team, supporting the delivery of advanced FPGA-based and software-defined systems for defence and mission-critical applications. This role has a strong focus on OpenCPI-based system development and integration, alongside traditional FPGA and digital design responsibilities.
Role Overview
You will contribute to the design, development, integration, and verification of FPGA and SoC-based systems within a structured engineering environment. A key aspect of this role is working with OpenCPI (Open Component Portability Infrastructure) to support modular, reusable, and high-performance digital system architectures. You will work closely with systems engineers, embedded software teams, and hardware designers to deliver robust and scalable digital solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver firmware and FPGA projects to agreed time, cost, and quality targets, with a strong emphasis on reuse and modular design principles.
- Develop and verify RTL designs, including architecture, implementation, simulation, and hardware integration.
- Support system-level integration using OpenCPI frameworks and component-based architectures.
- Contribute to requirements analysis, design documentation, verification plans, and certification artefacts.
- Collaborate across systems, hardware, embedded software, and algorithm teams.
- Support process improvement, automation, scripting, and tooling enhancements.
- Ensure compliance with relevant safety, security, and quality standards including DO-254, IEC 61508, IEC 62443, and ISO 26262 where applicable.
Required Experience
- Strong experience in RTL design for FPGA-based digital systems using VHDL.
- Experience with Xilinx (AMD), Lattice, or similar FPGA/SoC architectures.
- Demonstrable experience working with or integrating systems using OpenCPI (or equivalent component-based FPGA middleware frameworks).
- FPGA implementation of algorithms developed in MATLAB/Simulink (algorithm development not required).
- Strong verification experience using OSVVM, UVVM, or UVM methodologies.
- Familiarity with high-speed interfaces such as AXI, PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204, CameraLink, SMPTE, Wishbone, or OCP.
- Experience with FPGA development tools such as Vivado, ModelSim, Diamond, Radiant, Vitis, or Propel.
- Scripting ability using TCL or similar languages.
- Working knowledge of DO-254 development processes.
- Experience working within Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) in defence or regulated environments is highly desirable.
Required Skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
- Ability to take ownership of technical work packages.
- Team leadership or technical leadership experience within small engineering teams is advantageous.
Education
Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Firmware Engineer in Southampton employer: LinkedIn
Akkodis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among engineers and digital specialists. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Akkodis provides opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in defence and mission-critical applications. The UK location boasts a vibrant engineering culture, where teamwork and creativity are encouraged, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in advanced engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firmware Engineer in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. The more you mingle, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they hit the market.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; showcase it! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository with your projects, especially those involving OpenCPI or FPGA design. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your VHDL and FPGA knowledge. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Confidence is key, so know your stuff!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Firmware Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RTL design, OpenCPI, and any relevant FPGA projects. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about firmware engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them in your application. We love seeing real-world examples of your work, especially if they involve OpenCPI or FPGA systems!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your OpenCPI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of OpenCPI and its applications in FPGA-based systems. Be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects or how you would approach integrating it into new designs.
✨Showcase Your RTL Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with RTL design using VHDL. Have specific examples ready that highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've delivered projects on time and within budget.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Since compliance with safety and quality standards is crucial, make sure you understand DO-254, IEC 61508, and others mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with systems engineers, hardware designers, and software teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any leadership experience.
