At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead firmware development for cutting-edge aerospace navigation systems.
- Company: Join Collins Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private health insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace tech while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Electronics Engineering and strong VHDL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Collins Aerospace, precision and reliability guide everything we do. Our Bristol and Plymouth sites are centres of excellence for navigation and control systems, powering world-class innovations like MEMS-based IMUs and TERPROM terrain navigation systems. This is your opportunity to join a pioneering engineering team - in a hybrid role based in either Plymouth or Bristol - and take a leading role in the next generation of aerospace technology.
We’re looking for a Lead FPGA Engineer ready to take a leading role in shaping the next generation of aerospace systems. You’ll work on high performance navigation and sensor technologies where precision, reliability, and innovation are critical.
What You Will Do:
- Lead full lifecycle firmware development on new and existing products and test equipment
- Work closely with the Electronics Discipline Chief to drive continuous improvement in the firmware development process
- Support the management and maintenance of software tools used by the digital design team
- Effectively communicate firmware design and process decision to both technical and nontechnical audiences
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts in systems, software, and mechanical design to bring complex projects to life
- Participate in peer reviews for firmware
- Share your expertise, mentor colleagues, and champion continuous improvement across the digital design team
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop deep expertise in high performance IMU and MEMS sensor design for real world aerospace applications
- Gain hands‑on experience with formal aerospace development processes
- Work directly with cutting‑edge FPGA and mixed-signal technologies in live aerospace systems
- Thrive in a high-performing, collaborative engineering environment where precision meets innovation
- Opportunity to develop broader electronics skills alongside digital design work
What You Must Have:
- A minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering or a related field
- Strong VHDL experience — including architecture, coding, simulation, and test benching (Microchip, Xilinx, SoC)
- Proven experience of working to formal design standard such as DO-254
- Excellent communication skills
- Vision for continuous improvement and forward-thinking approach
Skills & Experience We Value:
- Familiarity with Verilog/SystemVerilog, OSVVM, UVM or UVVM
- Experience in MEMS sensors, airborne electronics, or ASIC development
- Cross-disciplinary awareness (systems, software, mechanical)
- Experience with E-CAD tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation (e.g. Xpedition, HyperLynx, AMS)
What We Can Offer You:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Excellent 2:1 matched pension contribution (up to 10%)
- Private health insurance and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus the ability to buy or sell up to 5 more
- Early finish on Fridays
- Career development, mentorship, and world-class training opportunities
- And much more!
Are you up for the challenge? If you’re ready to make an impact in a company where innovation, precision, and purpose come together, join our mission today.
Note: The successful candidate must hold an active or be willing and eligible to obtain SC level security clearance. RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Lead FPGA Engineer in Plymouth employer: SwiftCruit
At Collins Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Plymouth site is not only a hub for cutting-edge aerospace technology but also provides employees with flexible working options, competitive benefits, and extensive career development opportunities. Join us to be part of a team where your expertise will shape the future of navigation and control systems in a supportive environment that values precision and reliability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead FPGA Engineer in Plymouth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with SwiftCruit for a Lead FPGA Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead FPGA Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SwiftCruit, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At SwiftCruit, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at SwiftCruit
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with SwiftCruit.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with SwiftCruit. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like SwiftCruit love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
