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- Tasks: Develop and debug FPGA firmware for next-gen power supplies in a cutting-edge scientific facility.
- Company: Join Diamond Light Source, the UK's national synchrotron, at the forefront of scientific innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible hours, and access to on-site amenities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking projects while working with advanced technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Science, plus experience in FPGA development and circuit design.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with a dynamic team and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35300 - 39200 £ per year.
FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies) – Diamond Light Source (Harwell, Oxfordshire)
Salary: £41,414 to £45,510 (Discretionary range to £52,337)
Employment: 3‑Year Fixed Term, Full time / Flexible hours considered, Hybrid working available minimum 4 days onsite per week
Reference: 11778
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron, a large scientific facility providing intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light for cutting‑edge research. We are undergoing a major upgrade, Diamond‑II, which will bring new machine and beamlines, upgraded optics, detectors, and computing.
About The Role
We need an FPGA Engineer to develop firmware for the next‑generation power supplies for the Diamond‑II upgrade. The contract is 3‑year fixed term.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and debug HDL code for Xilinx FPGAs in Vivado, implementing full‑cycle firmware for Diamond magnet power supplies, including feedback control, filtering, and interlock handling using state machines.
- Design and integrate interfaces to peripherals such as ADCs, DACs, SRAM, Flash memory, sensors, and microcontrollers.
- Test and verify FPGA designs through simulation test benches and on‑hardware validation using logic analysers.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers and the Control Group to optimise performance, resolve issues, and develop reliable Ethernet‑based control interfaces.
- Review, refactor, and document HDL code in line with Diamond standards, ensuring proper version control and maintainability.
- Contribute to electronic circuit design, simulation (SPICE, MATLAB), PCB design, and prototype testing to support FPGA‑based control system development.
About You
You will hold an appropriate Engineering or Science degree (Bachelors or Masters) or possess equivalent experience, with proven practical experience in an industrial or scientific environment relevant to this position.
You Will Also Demonstrate
- A solid theoretical and practical knowledge of HDL firmware development for FPGAs (preferably Xilinx), using VHDL or Verilog.
- Strong experience with simulation, verification, and validation tools for FPGA code.
- Experience of using code management, version control, and repository tools.
- Basic knowledge of electrical and electronic circuit principles, laboratory‑based testing and measurement techniques, and the use of electronic circuit simulation software such as LTspice, PSpice, or Simscape.
- Familiarity with microcontrollers, microprocessors, and programming languages including C, C++, or Python.
- Basic knowledge of linear control systems.
- A self‑motivated approach, demonstrating the ability to drive projects to completion, with meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and overseas.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff have access to amenities on site including a nursery, cafés, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
Application requirements: Complete the mandatory application questionnaire and attach it under the ‘Publications List / Additional Documents’ section. Applications submitted without the completed questionnaire will not be considered.
This role does not meet the criteria for visa sponsorship except for people already sponsored before 04/04/24 or meeting new entrant criteria.
Closing date for applications: 25th January.
We are not an employment agency or recruiter; this posting is directly from Diamond Light Source.
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FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies) employer: Squeaky Wheel Promotions
Contact Detail:
Squeaky Wheel Promotions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Diamond Light Source on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your HDL firmware development skills. We recommend practising common FPGA-related questions and showcasing your projects that align with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the field! During interviews, share your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology and how you can contribute to the Diamond-II upgrade project.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for FPGA engineering shine through! We want to see why you're excited about the role and how your skills align with our mission at Diamond Light Source.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in HDL firmware development and any projects that showcase your skills. We love seeing how your background fits into the exciting work we do!
Follow the Instructions: Don’t forget to complete the mandatory application questionnaire and attach it under the 'Publications List / Additional Documents' section. We can’t consider your application without it, so double-check before hitting submit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squeaky Wheel Promotions
✨Know Your HDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your HDL firmware development skills, especially with VHDL or Verilog. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've developed, maintained, or debugged HDL code, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Simulation Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with simulation, verification, and validation tools for FPGA code. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, as demonstrating your hands-on knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since the role involves working closely with hardware engineers and the Control Group, be ready to share examples of successful collaborations. Highlight how you’ve resolved issues or optimised performance in team settings, as this shows you’re a team player who can contribute effectively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to electrical and electronic circuit principles, as well as linear control systems. Brush up on these topics and think of real-world applications or problems you've solved, so you can demonstrate your theoretical knowledge alongside practical experience.
