At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA design and implementation, mentoring others while ensuring high-quality standards.
- Company: Join Cambridge Aerospace, a fast-growing defence tech company on a vital mission.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, and onsite catering.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team tackling global security challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with cutting-edge FPGA systems.
- Qualifications: Strong Verilog experience and system-level design skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior FPGA Engineer to take technical ownership of complex FPGA‑based designs, from early architecture through implementation, verification, and hardware bring‑up. This role is suited to an experienced engineer who is comfortable making system‑level design decisions, mentoring others, and delivering robust, production‑ready RTL, while remaining actively hands‑on in Verilog, simulation, and debugging. You will work on high‑performance digital systems, potentially interfacing with RF, mixed‑signal, or high‑speed domains, and will play a key role in setting design quality and verification standards within the team.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of FPGA solutions using Verilog HDL
- Translate system‑level requirements into clear, maintainable RTL architectures
- Own complete design blocks from concept through to deployed hardware
- Review and guide Verilog written by other engineers, setting best practices
- Define and contribute to verification strategies, including self‑checking testbenches
- Support FPGA bring‑up, debugging and performance validation on real hardware
- Work closely with hardware, RF, and embedded software teams to ensure clean integration
- Contribute to technical planning and risk reduction for future designs
- Provide technical mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers
Requirements
- Strong, demonstrable experience designing production FPGA systems in Verilog
- Deep understanding of Clock‑domain crossing and reset strategies
- Pipelined architectures and timing closure
- FSM design, datapaths, and control logic
- Experience with modern FPGA tools (e.g. Xilinx Vivado; Intel Quartus)
- Confidence debugging across RTL, simulation and hardware
- Design and implementation of DSP blocks
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Experience with RF or mixed‑signal systems
- ADCs/DACs, clocking architectures, JESD‑style interfaces
- Digital modulation concepts
- Familiarity with Linux/device tree configuration
- Experience with Python‑based verification
- Designing testable, simulation‑first architectures
- Familiarity with high‑speed or SoC‑based FPGA platforms
- Hands‑on lab experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and RF test equipment
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunchtime catering on site
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence. We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery. We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission. If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement.
Senior FPGA Engineer in Cambridge employer: Pace XL Ltd.
Pace XL Ltd. is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and employee growth, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London. With a focus on personal development, competitive salaries, and a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency through cutting-edge technology, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects. The hybrid work model further supports work-life balance, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of PMO automation.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior FPGA Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Pace XL Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Pace XL Ltd., make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.