At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead firmware development and deliver innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in cutting-edge technology for the UK armed forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private healthcare, and generous bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with advanced tech while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in firmware design required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Crawley, Reading or Bristol – Hybrid
Thales Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) UK is a principal supplier of UAS, EW and Radar equipment to the UK armed forces, as well as an exporter of these capabilities worldwide. ISR is a highly complex product development environment focusing on delivering cutting‑edge products including digital radar electronic support measures (RESM) and radar electronic countermeasures (RECM).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead firmware development and deliver firmware projects to agreed time, cost and quality.
- Verify firmware using Hardware Verification Languages or Hardware Description languages.
- Design firmware using Hardware Description Languages.
- Enhance firmware‑related processes (documenting, scripting, reporting, process automation).
- Work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams.
Desired Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience
- Strong communication skills, verbally and in writing.
- Relevant degree (BEng, MEng, EngD, PhD) and membership or fellowship of a professional engineering body, preferably with or working towards chartered status.
- Experience leading firmware design/architecture.
- Verification test‑bench architecture with SystemVerilog or C++.
- Verification methodology: advanced VHDL verification or OSVVM/UVVM.
- Requirements management: IBM Rationale DOORS.
- Simulation of designs using simulator tool: Mentor Graphics ModelSim / Questasim.
- Digital electronic design in hardware development languages: VHDL and either Verilog or SystemVerilog.
- Implementation of complex designs using any vendor specific development tools.
- Technologies: PCIe, Ethernet, Serial Comms, AXI4.
- Object‑oriented design techniques.
- Image processing techniques and algorithms.
- Algorithm development using tool: MATLAB.
Security Clearance
This role requires SC clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held; otherwise the successful applicant will be required to undergo, achieve, and maintain SC clearance. To be eligible for full SC, you typically need to have resided in the UK for the last five years.
Benefits
We offer a competitive package that includes a significant bonus, a strong pension contribution, private healthcare, development‑focused targets, and relocation support where required. Additional support is available for academic and membership attainments. At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits also include private medical insurance, cycle‑to‑work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering days, stocks and shares, annual bonus, and more depending on the role.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community for other potential opportunities.
Principal Firmware Engineer in Bristol employer: Thales
Thales Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley, Reading, or Bristol where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including private healthcare and generous pension contributions, and a commitment to equal opportunities, Thales fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in advanced technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Firmware Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Thales or similar companies. LinkedIn is your best mate here – connect, engage, and don’t be shy to ask for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in firmware development. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s through a portfolio or GitHub, let your work speak for itself. Highlight any relevant experience with VHDL, SystemVerilog, or any of the technologies mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find more opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Firmware Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Firmware Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in firmware development, verification methodologies, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your communication skills and experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's firmware design or algorithm development, we love seeing real examples of your work. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Firmware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of firmware development, especially in relation to Hardware Description Languages like VHDL and SystemVerilog. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you've led firmware design or architecture.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand, as you’ll be working with multi-disciplinary teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Verification Methodologies
Get comfortable discussing verification test-bench architecture and methodologies like advanced VHDL verification or OSVVM/UVVM. Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented these in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since SC clearance is required, be ready to discuss your residency in the UK over the last five years. If you already hold clearance, mention it upfront, as it could give you an edge in the interview.
