Graduate Firmware Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in England is seeking graduates for a Graduate Programme in firmware and FPGA development. You will work on innovative projects involving high-performance digital systems. The role offers a starting salary of £34,000 plus bonuses, and includes flexible working options. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and have a strong interest in firmware development. Join us to shape the future of technology in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme with 15% employer contribution

Free mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for all employees

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Flexible benefits allowance up to £500 annually

Qualifications

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, or higher degree in a relevant subject.
• A strong interest in firmware and FPGA development.
• Familiarity with HDLs (e.g. VHDL) is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Designing and verifying FPGA firmware for complex embedded systems.
• Collaborating with software, hardware, and systems engineers.
• Developing test plans and simulation environments.
• Troubleshooting and optimising firmware.
• Documenting and presenting technical solutions.

Skills

Firmware development

Digital design

FPGA design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one? At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Join us in shaping the future of embedded systems in defence technology. You will work on advanced firmware and FPGA designs that power electronic systems across fast jets, UAVs, naval and land platforms.

Our 18‑month Graduate Programme gives you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

During the programme, you will:

You’ll join a team of expert engineers developing high‑performance digital systems for electronic warfare applications. Your work will span design, simulation, testing, and integration of firmware solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and verifying FPGA firmware for complex embedded systems.
• Collaborating with software, hardware, and systems engineers to ensure smooth integration.
• Developing test plans and simulation environments to validate functionality and timing.
• Troubleshooting and optimising firmware for performance and reliability.
• Documenting and presenting technical solutions to stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for graduates who are passionate about firmware development and digital design. You’ll need:

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, or higher degree (MSc/PhD) in a relevant subject such as: Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Computer Engineering, Robotics, AI & Cybernetics; Communications, Space, or Information Engineering; Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics; Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking, Computer Networks.
• A strong interest in firmware and FPGA development.
• Familiarity with HDLs (e.g. VHDL) is desirable but not essential — training will be provided.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, including eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit our security and vetting page.

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our benefits page.

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace for everyone. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid