At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge firmware for secure systems in the National Security domain.
- Company: Join Roke, a trusted supplier with over 70 years of expertise in tech innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on mission-critical projects.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with stunning views near the Cotswolds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in VHDL, OpenCPI, and secure environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Be part of a growing and highly trusted supplier into the National Security domain, working to deliver mission-critical solutions helping to keep the nation safe, secure, and prosperous. Working on leading-edge technology solutions including AI/DS, Cyber, Cloud, DevOps/SRE, and Platform Engineering.
We are seeking skilled Firmware Engineers with extensive VHDL experience to strengthen our SIGINT and RF delivery capability within the National Security domain. The role will support the development and deployment of high-performance SDR and FPGA-based systems, delivering mission-critical capability into secure customer environments. These are hands-on, technical roles requiring OpenCPI expertise, SDR understanding, and experience operating within secure National Security or MOD environments.
Primary Job Purpose:
- Design, develop, and optimise OpenCPI components and applications for SIGINT and RF systems.
- Integrate OpenCPI solutions onto FPGA-based and embedded SDR platforms.
- Support system architecture, trade studies, and technical design decisions.
- Ensure robust, scalable, and reusable OpenCPI-based implementations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop OpenCPI workers and containers in C/C++ and HDL (VHDL/Verilog where required).
- Integrate DSP chains into FPGA and embedded Linux environments.
- Conduct trade-off analysis across performance, latency, and resource utilisation.
- Support hardware/software integration in secure lab and customer environments.
Work closely with Delivery Managers to ensure effective transition from design to deployed capability. Operate directly within customer-facing secure environments where required. Maintain strong technical credibility with National Security stakeholders. Highlight technical risks, dependencies, and resourcing requirements early.
Where you'll work: Gloucester - You'll find our Gloucester site in a business park two minutes from junction 11A of the M5; the site allows easy access to our local customer base. Set on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, you are never far from a picturesque view or lunchtime walk.
Clearances: Due to the nature of this role, we require you to hold the highest level of UK Government Clearance.
Firmware Engineer in Newtown employer: Roke
Roke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Defence sector. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible perks focused on health and wellbeing, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, all while contributing to meaningful projects that address national security challenges. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive community, Roke is dedicated to empowering its team members to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firmware Engineer in Newtown
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Roke or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Roke.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Roke.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Roke that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Firmware Engineer in Newtown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Roke.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Roke and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roke
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Roke uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
