At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA design and firmware development for cutting-edge hardware systems.
- Company: Join Metis Aerospace, a leader in advanced hardware and software solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for hands-on engineering experience.
- Other info: Work on-site in Lincoln with a dynamic team and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing innovative technology that drives our products.
- Qualifications: Strong FPGA development skills and experience with digital logic design required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
At Metis Aerospace, we design and build advanced hardware and software systems that deliver real-world insight from complex data. As our products continue to evolve, we are looking for an experienced FPGA engineer who can take ownership of the firmware that drives our hardware platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation and verification of FPGA logic for our hardware systems.
- Develop and maintain the firmware that underpins our RF platforms, including systems based on the Altera Cyclone V architecture.
- Collaborate closely with software, RF and systems engineers to ensure that designs interface reliably with the rest of our technology.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a practical engineer who can work independently, solve real problems, and explore new ideas with curiosity and confidence. This role is aimed at someone with enough experience to take ownership of FPGA development activity within a small team of software engineers.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Strong experience in FPGA development and digital logic design.
- Proficiency in SystemVerilog or VHDL.
- Experience using FPGA development tools, ideally Altera Quartus and/or TCL scripting.
- Understanding of key concepts such as timing analysis, timing closure and pipelining.
- Ability to develop supporting code in C or C++, and scripting in Python or Matlab.
- Experience integrating firmware with wider electronic or embedded systems.
- Comfortable working with test equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analysers.
- Familiarity with RF systems, SDR concepts and modulation techniques such as FM, AM and Digital Modulation.
- Understanding of analogue and digital electronics including passive components, mixers, PLLs, buses and memory architectures.
- Ability to read, analyse and make minor edits to schematics or PCB layouts.
- Ideally able to build PCB boards from scratch.
- Interest in related engineering areas such as RF testing, software integration or hands‑on lab work.
What We Offer
This role is primarily on‑site at our Lincoln office. Because FPGA development is closely tied to our custom hardware, much of the design validation and testing happens here. Working from home is possible when needed, but day‑to‑day work is best done alongside the rest of the engineering team. You will report to the Head of Software and work within a small group of engineers who take shared responsibility for delivering the firmware that powers our products.
Security and Eligibility
Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be UK nationals and able to obtain UK security clearance. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Equal opportunities & confidentiality
Metis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Successful candidates may be required to sign non‑disclosure agreements and comply with export control and security requirements.
Hardware/Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Lincoln employer: METIS Aerospace Ltd
Metis Aerospace is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Hardware/Firmware Engineer role based in Lincoln. Employees benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, opportunities for professional growth within a small, dedicated team, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that have real-world impact. The company values curiosity and independence, making it an ideal environment for engineers looking to take ownership of their work while enjoying the support of their colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware/Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Lincoln
✨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 FPGA role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your FPGA projects, including any cool firmware you've developed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with SystemVerilog, VHDL, and any RF systems you've worked on. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware/Firmware Engineer (FPGA) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your FPGA development experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise in SystemVerilog or VHDL!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about FPGA engineering and how you can contribute to our team at Metis Aerospace. Be sure to mention any hands-on lab work or RF systems experience you have.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled real-world engineering challenges. We love engineers who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at METIS Aerospace Ltd
✨Know Your FPGA Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your FPGA development skills, especially with Altera Cyclone V architecture. Be ready to discuss your experience with SystemVerilog or VHDL, and have examples of your past projects at hand. This will show that you can take ownership of the firmware development they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. Metis Aerospace values practical engineers who can solve real problems, so think of instances where your curiosity and confidence led to innovative solutions.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working closely with software, RF, and systems engineers, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Highlight any collaborative projects you've worked on and how you ensured reliable interfaces between different technology components.
✨Get Hands-On with Hardware
Familiarise yourself with test equipment like oscilloscopes and spectrum analysers, as well as PCB layouts. If you’ve built PCB boards from scratch, mention it! Showing your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to integrate firmware with wider electronic systems.