FPGA Firmware Engineer

BAE Systems; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BAE Systems is seeking a Firmware Engineer for their Cross-Domain team in Gloucester. This role involves working with Altera FPGAs and VHDL throughout the product lifecycle, requiring strong technical skills and the ability to obtain UK security clearance. Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for career development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus flexible benefits

Private medical/dental insurance

Pension

Cycle-to-work scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Participation in bonus schemes

Access to diversity and support groups

Qualifications

• Experience with VHDL and familiarity with FPGA tool chains (preferably Altera, Xilinx, Achronix).
• Candidates must hold or be eligible for UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Involved in the entire product lifecycle—from concept to support.
• Work with Altera FPGAs and VHDL.

Skills

VHDL

FPGA tool chains

High bandwidth FPGA data processing

Understanding hardware design

Job description

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa: UK: Gloucester

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence employs 4,500 experts in digital, cyber, and intelligence fields. We operate across 10 countries, collaborating to analyze complex data to enable governments, armed forces, and commercial entities to gain digital advantages in challenging environments.

JOB ROLE

We seek a Firmware Engineer for our Cross-Domain (XD) team, involved in the entire product lifecycle—from concept to support. The role primarily involves working with Altera FPGAs and VHDL. Experience with VHDL and familiarity with FPGA tool chains (preferably Altera, but Xilinx, Achronix, or similar are acceptable) are essential.

The XD team, based mainly in Gloucester, comprises about 50 engineers within a larger product group of 200. As part of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, a team of 3,500, we offer stimulating technical challenges, a collaborative environment, and career development opportunities across various domains including product development, research, and consultancy.

Candidates must hold or be eligible for UK security clearance and meet nationality requirements. Remote work is not regular but flexible working arrangements are available.

Useful experience includes:

• High bandwidth FPGA data processing
• Working with high bandwidth FPGA interfaces (networking, DRAMs)
• Designing security appliances
• Task planning
• Understanding hardware design

Support offered:

• 25 days holiday plus flexible benefits (buy/sell, carry over)
• Private medical/dental insurance, pension, cycle-to-work, taste cards, and more
• Dedicated Career Manager for career development
• Learning and development opportunities
• Participation in bonus schemes
• Access to diversity and support groups

Why choose BAE Systems?

Join us to make a real impact in an inclusive culture that values diversity, integrity, and merit. We support your potential and are committed to inclusive recruitment. Candidates with disabilities or health conditions are encouraged to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Roles are subject to security and export restrictions based on nationality, residency, and security clearance levels, with most requiring at least Baseline Personnel Security Standard and possibly higher vetting.

Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

We embrace hybrid working, allowing flexibility in location and hours, fostering collaboration and well-being.

Diversity and inclusion are core to our success, enabling a vibrant, innovative workforce.

Division overview: Financial Services

Our Financial Services division leads in cyber defense for the financial sector, helping banks and insurers combat cyber threats, fraud, and ensure regulatory compliance. As a team member, you will be vital in providing critical cybersecurity services to our clients.