Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer

Overview

In this role, you will lead FPGA-based firmware development for mission-critical defence and aerospace systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, reliable electronics. You will own architecture and design decisions, drive verification and integration, and contribute to process improvements. The opportunity combines cutting-edge technology with a strong impact on safety and security, within a world-class engineering team. You will work in London, with opportunities for hands-on customer-facing and site work, and benefit from advanced training and career development.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• coaching, training, and ongoing career development
• pension with employer contributions
• generous holiday allowance
• flexible working arrangements
• hybrid working and early finish on Fridays

Responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware for FPGA-based systems using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog
• Lead or contribute to firmware architecture and design decisions
• Verify and validate firmware with simulations and test benches
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineers for integrated solutions
• Support requirements definition, design reviews, and technical decisions
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware processes (automation, scripting, documentation)
• Utilize industry-standard FPGA and SoC development tools
• Support integration activities, including occasional customer or test-site work
• Deliver work to defined time, cost, and quality standards

Key requirements

• Strong experience developing firmware for FPGA-based systems
• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog
• Experience with simulation/verification tools (ModelSim, QuestaSim)
• Solid understanding of digital design and hardware/software integration
• Ability to contribute to or lead design and architecture activities
• Strong communication skills in multidisciplinary teams
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance

• collaborative
• proactive
• strong communication
• FPGA firmware development
• HDL (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog)
• ModelSim/QuestaSim

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