At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and verify cutting-edge FPGA RTL for high-speed digital and optical systems.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech firm in Oxford focused on innovative optical interconnects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Lead impactful projects and set standards in FPGA design while collaborating with top engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering or related field with strong FPGA design experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Senior FPGA Engineer
Department
Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
- Oxford
- Description
We are looking for a Senior FPGA Engineer to architect, design, implement, and verify FPGA RTL for our optical interconnect development.
The work centres on high-speed digital logic, video processing and framing, high-speed serial interfaces, and the on-chip logic that connects our electronics to optical devices.
This is a focused, senior RTL role that runs from architecture and RTL design through simulation, verification, and timing closure to FPGA bring-up and characterisation on the bench.
You will own the FPGA design end to end and set the RTL standard for others to follow.
You will work closely with the electronics, RF, and photonics engineers who design the surrounding hardware and optical interfaces.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect, design, implement, and verify FPGA RTL for high-speed digital, video, and optical-interfacing systems.
- Develop FPGA designs in VHDL or Verilog/System Verilog, including high-speed serial interfaces, video processing, framing, and on-chip instrumentation.
- Bring up and configure high-speed serial transceivers and clock-data recovery, and implement line coding, pattern generation, and error-rate instrumentation.
- Design digital video interfaces and the associated framing, timing, and data-handling logic.
- Develop functional verification: testbenches, simulation, and timing closure across multiple clock domains.
- Lead FPGA bring-up, debug, and on-board validation, resolving issues across the hardware and firmware boundary.
- Author and maintain RTL documentation, verification evidence, and coding standards, and contribute to design reviews.
- Collaborate across electronics, RF, photonics, and systems engineering, and support the path from prototype to product.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Degree (BEng/MEng) or Ph D in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with substantial relevant experience at senior level.
- Strong FPGA RTL design in VHDL or Verilog/System Verilog.
- High-speed serial transceiver and clock-data-recovery bring-up, and serial protocols such as line coding and PRBS.
- Functional verification: testbench development, simulation, and timing closure.
- Sound clock-domain-crossing and high-speed digital design discipline.
- Digital video interfacing (for example HDMI) or comparable high-bandwidth digital protocols.
- FPGA toolchain proficiency, and a willingness to work across vendor toolchains as required.
- Advantage
- Schematic capture and high-speed PCB design using e CAD tools such as Altium.
- Knowledge of high-speed PCB layout techniques: controlled impedance, differential routing, length/skew matching, and power integrity.
- Signal-integrity simulation (for example Hyper Lynx, Ansys SI, ADS, or similar).
- Electronic interfacing to optical or other sensor/transducer devices.
- Test-and-measurement awareness — eye diagrams, error-rate measurement, and high-speed serial debug.
- A proven track record of delivering FPGA firmware into a product.
Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Relocation support
- Visa support available
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FPGA Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior FPGA Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior FPGA Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Plessey Semiconductors a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Plessey Semiconductors specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plessey Semiconductors
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Plessey Semiconductors, 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!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Plessey Semiconductors want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨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.