Graduate R&D Engineer – System & Architecture

Graduate R&D Engineer – System & Architecture

Entry level 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge capacitive sensing solutions for global markets.
  • Company: Be part of Microchip Technology, a multi-billion dollar leader in tech innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, mentorship, and career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Gain hands-on experience and training while collaborating with industry experts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on technology that shapes human-machine interaction worldwide.
  • Qualifications: BEng in Electronics or related field; programming skills in C or Python preferred.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to be a part of something great? Want to join a 17,000-member team that works on the technology that powers the world around us? Looking for an atmosphere of trust, empowerment, respect, diversity, and communication? How about an opportunity to own a piece of a multi-billion dollar (with a B!) global organization? We offer all that and more at Microchip Technology Inc.

People come to work at Microchip because we help design the technology that runs the world. They stay because our culture supports their growth and stability. They are challenged and driven by an incredible array of products and solutions with unlimited career potential. Microchip’s nationally-recognized Leadership Passage Programs support career growth where we proudly enroll over a thousand people annually. We take pride in our commitment to employee development, values-based decision making, and strong sense of community, driven by our Vision, Mission, and 11 Guiding Values; we affectionately refer to it as the Aggregate System and it’s won us countless awards for diversity and workplace excellence.

Our company is built by dedicated team players who love to challenge the status quo; we did not achieve record revenue and over 30 years of quarterly profitability without a great team dedicated to empowering innovation. People like you.

Join Microchip’s Human Machine Interface Division (HMID) and help develop next-generation capacitive sensing solutions used in automotive and industrial systems worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate or early-career engineer (up to 3 years’ experience) to work at the forefront of touchscreen and human interface technology.

As part of the System and Architecture Group, you will contribute across the full product development lifecycle—defining requirements for new silicon and firmware, developing architecture concepts to address a continuously evolving market, and supporting design, implementation, validation, and product delivery.

You will be working in a small but highly skilled team, as part of a wider organisation both within the Whiteley office and worldwide. You will receive both on-the-job and formal training.

What You’ll Work On

  • Advanced capacitive touch sensing (maXTouch) systems
  • Analogue front-end (AFE) measurement and control
  • Embedded firmware for signal acquisition and processing
  • System-level optimisation for performance in challenging environments (e.g. noise, automotive conditions)
  • Silicon bring-up, validation, and feature development

Key Responsibilities

  • Define requirements for new silicon and firmware features based on product and customer needs
  • Contribute to the development of new system and architecture concepts for future generations of touch solutions
  • Analyse and optimise analogue and digital hardware implementations to improve system performance
  • Develop efficient embedded software to control measurement systems and process acquired data
  • Investigate and solve customer issues, delivering robust and innovative solutions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams on design, validation, and product development
  • Produce clear technical documentation, including specifications, design descriptions, and test plans

Development & Growth Opportunities

  • Build deep expertise in capacitive sensing, signal processing, and embedded systems
  • Develop into a specialist in analogue front-end programming and system architecture
  • Gain exposure to the full semiconductor development lifecycle
  • Participate in the Microchip New College Graduate Programme, including training, mentoring, and cross-functional projects
  • Work alongside experienced engineers and industry experts across global teams

Requirements/Qualifications:

  • BEng (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering, Communication Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Graduates or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience in an electronics/software environment
  • Industry experience is beneficial but not essential

Desirable Skills

  • Understanding of microcontroller architecture and embedded systems
  • Programming experience in C, Python, or similar languages
  • Basic knowledge of analogue electronics and digital design
  • Interest in signal processing (e.g. sampling, filtering, SNR optimisation)
  • Scripting skills (Python, Matlab, or similar)
  • Familiarity with AI tools is an advantage

Key Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Clear and effective communication (technical and non-technical)
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn new technologies

Why Join Microchip?

At Microchip, you will work on real-world products that shape the future of human-machine interaction. We offer a supportive environment where early-career engineers can grow quickly—combining hands-on experience, structured training, and mentorship to build both technical depth and broader business understanding.

Travel Time: 0% - 25%

Graduate R&D Engineer – System & Architecture employer: Microchip

Microchip Technology Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of trust, empowerment, and diversity, making it an ideal place for early-career engineers to thrive. With a commitment to employee development through nationally-recognised Leadership Passage Programs and a collaborative work environment, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while receiving both formal training and mentorship. Join a global team dedicated to innovation and enjoy the benefits of being part of a multi-billion dollar organisation that values your growth and contributions.

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Contact Details:

Microchip Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate R&D Engineer – System & Architecture

Tap into Engineering Societies

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Showcase Your Projects

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Engage with Online Forums

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We think you need these skills to ace Graduate R&D Engineer – System & Architecture

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Organizational Skills
Compassion
Flexibility
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Projects:Engineering is all about practical application, so don’t shy away from showcasing your projects! Include any relevant coursework, personal projects, or even team collaborations that highlight your engineering skills. If you’ve dabbled with CAD software, programming, or circuit design, mention these experiences in your CV or portfolio.

Technical Skills Matter:For an entry-level engineering role, we need to see a solid grasp of key technical skills. Make sure to list any software or tools you’re familiar with, like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or specific programming languages. If you’ve got any certifications (like a relevant software course), throw those in too—they can really boost your profile!

Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make your CV stand out by tailoring it to the engineering field; keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points to highlight your educational background, internships, or coursework that aligns with the engineering principles. Remember, we’re looking for clarity and relevance, so avoid fluff—be as specific as possible about your skills and experiences.

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show some personality! Explain why you're passionate about engineering and why you're excited to work with Microchip. Share what you hope to learn in this entry-level position and how you can contribute to their projects. Let your enthusiasm shine through!

How to prepare for a job interview at Microchip

Brush Up on Your Engineering Basics

Since this is an entry-level engineering position at Microchip, make sure you’ve got a solid grasp of fundamental engineering principles. Be prepared for technical questions that test your understanding of core concepts and prepare to explain how you’d apply them in real-world scenarios.

Show Off Your Projects and Portfolios

As an entry-level candidate, highlighting any relevant projects during your studies or internships can really set you apart. Make a portfolio showcasing your work, designs, or any practical application of your engineering skills. Don't forget to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them!

Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot

In engineering interviews, you might encounter real-time problem-solving or case study scenarios. Brushing up your analytical skills and being able to think aloud as you tackle these problems can demonstrate your potential to the interviewers at Microchip.

Connect Your Passion with the Role

Since it’s an entry-level position, showcasing genuine enthusiasm for engineering and your long-term commitment can go a long way. Talk about how this role aligns with your career goals and what motivates you to contribute to Microchip specifically.