Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead firmware development for cutting-edge aerospace navigation and sensor technologies.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace company with a focus on innovation and precision.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values innovative ideas and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace technology and work with industry-leading experts.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Electronics Engineering and strong VHDL experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading Aerospace company, are looking for a Lead FPGA Engineer to join the team on an initial 6-month contract. 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. 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.
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)
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. Please note that access to certain projects may be restricted based on nationality.
Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace!
Diversity Statement: Diversity drives innovation, inclusion drives success. We believe a multitude of approaches and ideas enable us to deliver the best results for our workforce, workplace, and customers. We are committed to fostering a culture where all employees can share their passions and ideas so we can tackle the toughest challenges in our industry and pave new paths to limitless possibilities.
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Plymouth employer: The Planet Group
Contact Detail:
The Planet Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and being ready to discuss your past projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to FPGA design and firmware development so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When applying through our website, make sure your application highlights your experience with VHDL and any relevant aerospace projects. We want to see how you can contribute to precision and innovation in our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little extra effort can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in the interviewers' minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Field-Programmable Gate Arrays Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead FPGA Engineer role. Highlight your VHDL experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 aerospace technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can break down complex ideas into simple terms!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planet Group
✨Know Your VHDL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your VHDL skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with architecture, coding, simulation, and test benching. Prepare examples of projects where you've successfully implemented these skills, as this will show your practical knowledge.
✨Understand Aerospace Standards
Familiarise yourself with formal design standards like DO-254. Being able to articulate how you've worked within these frameworks in past roles will demonstrate your readiness for the high-stakes environment of aerospace engineering.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to communicate complex firmware designs to both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will help you showcase your communication skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your teamwork led to successful project outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with the collaborative culture of the company.