Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer

Overview

In this role you will lead the design and delivery of firmware and FPGA components for the Global Combat Air System Programme. You will guide a cross-UK team, translate system requirements into firmware specifications, and drive high-assurance reviews and documentation. You’ll work with advanced FPGA architectures and VHDL, shaping mission-critical hardware for a national defence programme. The role offers cross-site collaboration, exposure to world-class facilities, and opportunities to progress through a dedicated technical career path.

Pay / Benefits

• generous annual leave with up to 12 flexi-days
• pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
• mental health support and financial advice
• access to 4,000+ online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning)
• bonus scheme for management and below
• referral programme and flexible benefits up to 500 annually

Responsibilities

• Lead firmware/FPGA delivery and team coordination
• Analyse system requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements
• Prepare design documentation for engineers and reviews
• Apply firmware design techniques from VHDL to place-and-route
• Work with FPGA architectures such as Xilinx Versal
• Specify timing and area constraints for FPGA implementation
• Collaborate in mixed-discipline teams across UK sites
• Support technical reviews and possible travel for reviews

Key requirements

• Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or similar
• 5 years UK residency and eligibility for SC security clearance
• Experience in firmware design and tools from VHDL to place-and-route
• Proven experience with FPGA architectures (e.g., SoC like Xilinx Versal)
• Ability to capture system-level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers and improving processes
• Experience working in cross-functional teams

• willingness to learn and develop
• pragmatic problem solving
• leadership and team-building
• VHDL
• place-and-route
• FPGA architectures (SoC, Xilinx Versal)

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