DSP Firmware Engineer

The Talent Locker Ltd.; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in defence communications is seeking a DSP Firmware Engineer in Peterborough. You will design and develop complex firmware solutions for embedded systems, focusing on real-time digital signal processing challenges. This position offers generous benefits including substantial vacation time and professional development within a supportive team committed to innovation.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced pension contributions up to 8%

Private healthcare

Cycle-to-work scheme

Flexitime system

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in a relevant technical subject (e.g. Electronics, Communications, Computing).
• VHDL/Verilog and C/C++ programming experience.
• Experience with DSP techniques and SoC-based modular designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded firmware solutions for FPGA-based systems.
• Support integration, validation, and documentation efforts throughout the lifecycle.
• Contribute to design/code reviews and provide guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

VHDL/Verilog

C/C++ Programming

DSP Techniques

Firmware Development Processes

MATLAB/Python

Linux/Windows Environments

Education

Degree in Electronics, Communications, or Computing

Tools

GNU Radio

TensorFlow

Job description

DSP Firmware Engineer – Defence Communications
Location: Peterborough (Hybrid – 3 days per week on-site)
Salary: £65,000–£80,000 + excellent benefits
Clearance: Must be eligible for BPSS & SC

Join a world-class engineering team at the heart of aviation safety. This is a great opportunity for a DSP Firmware Engineer to take ownership of technically complex projects that make a real-world difference in civilian and defence air traffic systems.

As part of a 50-strong engineering function, you’ll work across the full firmware development lifecycle—designing, implementing and validating embedded digital signal processing solutions for next-generation communication systems. If you want to work on cutting-edge systems, progress your career, and be part of something that truly matters, this could be for you.

What you’ll be doing
You’ll be designing and developing embedded firmware solutions for FPGA-based systems, applying Digital Signal Processing techniques to real-time communication challenges. Working closely with Test and Acceptance teams, you’ll support integration, validation and documentation efforts throughout the lifecycle. You’ll also contribute to design/code reviews and provide guidance to more junior engineers where appropriate.

What you’ll bring

• Strong academic background in a relevant technical subject (e.g. Electronics, Communications, Computing)
• VHDL/Verilog and C/C++ programming experience
• Experience with DSP techniques and SoC-based modular designs
• Understanding of firmware development processes, from simulation and testbench creation through to embedded implementation
• Familiarity with tools/libraries such as MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), GNU Radio or TensorFlow for DSP/ML integration
• Comfortable working in Linux and/or Windows development environments

Why this role?

• Be part of a company trusted by governments, airports and defence organisations worldwide
• Solve real-time DSP challenges that underpin global aviation systems
• Collaborate in a supportive, high-integrity team with long-term projects and career progression
• Work in a future-facing environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement

You’ll get 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, enhanced pension contributions up to 8%, private healthcare, a subsidised canteen, cycle-to-work scheme, and more. The flexitime system lets you bank an extra day off each month, and there’s a strong focus on continuous learning and development.