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 a competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and relocation support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with advanced technologies and work on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering degree and experience in firmware design and architecture.
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 FPGA Engineer in Bristol employer: Thales
Thales 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 that empowers engineers to lead cutting-edge projects in firmware development while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal FPGA Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal FPGA Engineer role you’re after at Thales.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal FPGA Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal 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 Thales 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 Thales 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 Thales
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Thales, 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 Thales 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.
