FPGA and DSP Engineer

Plextek; Great Chesterford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Plextek is seeking an experienced FPGA engineer to translate customer requirements into robust FPGA-based implementations. You will work across the full development lifecycle from concept and architecture through validation and support.

The role involves close collaboration with hardware, software and systems engineers on technically demanding programs, often targeting AMD/Xilinx Zynq silicon. We value multidisciplinary capability, adaptability, and a willingness to broaden your core skills.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering FPGA/DSP designs and working with Xilinx/Zynq platforms.
• Strong grounding in digital signal processing for radar and sensing applications.
• Familiarity with open architecture standards such as OpenCPI, STICS or SOSA.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality FPGA/DSP designs with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to design reviews, planning, and proposals with time estimates.
• Engage with clients on technical scoping and possible capabilities.
• Potentially lead and mentor junior colleagues.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Identify and raise technical risks early.
• Maintain technical documentation and track progress.

Skills

HDL

AMD Vivado

FPGA design

DSP

Radar/ RF systems

OpenCPI/STICS/SOSA

Tools

Vivado toolchain

Job description

Plextek is a leading choice for employees and customers for exceptional engineering and strategic innovation to create better safer and more sustainable technologies and products.

OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS

Being a responsible business, we work with integrity and honesty. We share success with our people and our communities. We embrace diversity in outlook and work as a team with colleagues, customers and suppliers to provide the best technical solution and professional service experience. We empower each other, we’re adaptable, show initiative and deliver on our commitments together.

THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced FPGA engineer with strong skills in HDL, the AMD Vivado toolchain, and associated simulation and test. Experience of relevant open architecture standards such as OpenCPI, STICS or SOSA.

We will also consider experience with other FPGA platforms.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing Plextek IP and delivering a wide range of client projects, predominantly focused on radar, communications and sensing applications. As a result, a solid grounding in digital signal processing is a core requirement, with experience in RF systems considered a significant advantage.

Working within a multidisciplinary consultancy team, you will help translate customer requirements into robust FPGA-based implementations, contributing across the full development lifecycle from concept and architecture through to validation and ongoing support.

Your day-to-day development work will likely be targeted at AMD (Xilinx) silicon, often Zynq SoC devices, and will involve close collaboration with hardware, software and systems engineers on technically demanding programmes. Multidisciplinary experience is therefore highly valued, particularly where candidates are also comfortable working in the electronics and firmware domains. Alternatively, we are interested in candidates with a strong core skill set who are keen to broaden their experience. As with all our engineers, adaptability and a willingness to learn are key attributes across all roles at Plextek.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver high-quality FPGA/DSP designs and implementations with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to technical discussions, design reviews, and project planning (including proposals and time estimates).
• Engage with clients on a technical level, including pre-contract scoping discussions and “the art of the possible”.
• Potentially able to lead and mentor junior colleagues.
• Work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Identify and raise technical risks or concerns in a timely manner.
• Communicate progress clearly and maintain appropriate technical documentation.

THE PERSON

• Comfortable within a consultancy environment, ideally with prior consultancy experience.
• Self-motivated, with a willingness to take ownership of work.
• A strong desire to learn with a view to continuous professional development.

THE REWARDS

In return, we offer an excellent package, a stimulating environment and a real interest in your development to encourage you to achieve your full potential. We are a versatile business, able to support career progression as appropriate.

We are based just south of Cambridge with easy road and rail routes to the vibrant city centre. We provide a friendly and supportive working environment including regular on-site and off-site social events.