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- Tasks: Design and develop FPGA-based systems for real-time signal processing in defence applications.
- Company: Join MASS, a global tech leader in advanced digital services for secure organisations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, relocation support, 25 days leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with experts.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in Electronic Warfare and see your work influence operational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Strong FPGA development experience and leadership skills in high-performance systems.
Permanent - Full Time (Mostly Onsite)
Salary: £52,000 - £62,000 DOE
Location: Lincoln
Benefits include:
- 25 days annual leave (inclusive of December shutdown)
- Buy or sell up to 5 days’ leave
- Two pension schemes
- Private Medical & Dental Insurance
- Life Assurance (4 x salary)
- Save and share schemes
- Electric/Hybrid car leasing
- Cycle to work
- Retail discounts
- Continuous Professional Development
- Annual Wellness Allowance
We’re open to engineers both within defence and from adjacent sectors (semiconductors, comms, HPC), where these FPGA skillsets are directly transferable. Relocation support is available.
Why this role matters
Electromagnetic Warfare is no longer a niche capability. It is central to how modern operations are conducted across air, land and maritime domains. At MASS, our Electronic Warfare Operations Support (EWOS) Group works at the heart of that challenge, developing software, systems and training that support the UK and its allies in operating effectively within the electromagnetic battlespace. This role sits right at the centre of that.
As a Senior FPGA Engineer, you will design and deliver real-time signal processing capability that underpins mission-critical systems. This is not abstract R&D or isolated component work. These are systems that directly influence operational outcomes. If you are currently working in semiconductors, communications, high-performance computing or advanced electronics, your FPGA and signal processing experience will translate directly into this environment.
If you are in a larger organisation, you may be contributing to a small part of a much bigger system. Here, you will see how your work fits into the full chain and the role it plays in delivering operational capability.
Why Lincoln?
We recognise that the right person for this role may not be local. We actively support relocation to Lincoln (up to £8k). This role is an opportunity to move into a domain where your work has clear, real-world impact. Lincoln is one of the UK’s key hubs for Electronic Warfare and spectrum operations, with close proximity to MOD and RAF customer environments, including the JEWOSC ecosystem at RAF Waddington.
That means:
- Closer interaction with end users
- Greater visibility of how systems are actually used
- A stronger connection between engineering and critical operational effect
You will be working in an environment where EW capability is actively developed, tested and applied, not just specified. This role does require a strong on-site presence. While there is some flexibility, the majority of your time will be spent in Lincoln or working alongside customers in the UK and internationally.
How you’ll support us
You’ll lead the design and development of FPGA-based systems that sit within complex RF and signal processing chains. Working closely with system engineers, software teams and domain specialists, you’ll translate requirements into robust, high-performance implementations.
You’ll:
- Lead FPGA design, implementation and verification for RF signal processing and high-throughput systems
- Develop on AMD/Xilinx RFSoC (Zynq UltraScale+) and Intel FPGA platforms (Agilex/Stratix)
- Integrate with high-speed ADC/DAC interfaces and real-time data pipelines
- Work across VHDL, SystemVerilog and MATLAB/Simulink HDL workflows
- Support lab-based integration, test and evaluation using RF instrumentation
- Contribute to architectural decisions and system-level design
- Drive best practice in verification, documentation and design quality
- Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
- Work directly with stakeholders to shape requirements and solutions
The invaluable experience you’ll bring, to help us achieve more
We’re expecting that you’ve done this role before and are comfortable operating at both a technical and leadership level.
Essential experience:
- Strong experience developing FPGA-based DSP systems for real-time or RF-centric applications
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and HDL Coder workflows
- Experience deploying to Xilinx RFSoC and/or Intel FPGA platforms
- Experience working with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, analysers)
- Experience leading or mentoring engineers
Desirable experience:
- Embedded Linux or bare-metal C development
- High-speed interfaces (AXI, JESD204, memory architectures)
- Streaming data architectures and high-throughput signal handling
- Experience within EW, radar or spectrum-related systems
Our non-negotiables:
- Due to the highly secure nature of the work, you must be a UK National
- Eligible to obtain and maintain UK Government SC clearance (Gov guidance)
Who is MASS?
MASS is an independent, global technology company, trusted by highly secure organisations to provide advanced digital services that manage data and keep information safe. With a strong heritage in defence, we deliver robust solutions into environments where security expertise is essential. We work in close partnership with our customers, combining deep technical expertise with innovative thinking to deliver agile, resilient solutions that secure advantage and enable digital transformation. MASS is an equal opportunities employer. We value smart, skilled and motivated people, and in return we offer a supportive, friendly workplace where everyone has the opportunity to make a real impact.
Apply today to see how working for MASS could work for you.
Senior FPGA Engineer in Bristol employer: MASS
Contact Detail:
MASS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FPGA Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior FPGA Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and be ready to discuss how your FPGA skills can directly impact their operations. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s through a portfolio or a personal website, highlight your previous work with FPGA systems. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 Senior FPGA Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior FPGA Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in FPGA design and signal processing, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills fit right into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background in defence or adjacent sectors makes you a perfect fit. Let us know what excites you about working with MASS and the impact you can make.
Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on any projects that involved FPGA-based systems or RF signal processing, be sure to include them. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so share the challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at MASS!
How to prepare for a job interview at MASS
✨Know Your FPGA Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your FPGA design and implementation skills, especially with Xilinx RFSoC and Intel FPGA platforms. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've developed real-time signal processing systems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Familiarise yourself with how your work as a Senior FPGA Engineer contributes to Electromagnetic Warfare operations. Being able to articulate the real-world implications of your designs will demonstrate your understanding of the role's significance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that dive deep into your experience with VHDL, SystemVerilog, and MATLAB/Simulink workflows. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Show Leadership Qualities
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and any previous experiences where you've guided a team. Highlighting your ability to drive best practices in verification and design quality will set you apart.