Graduate Firmware Engineer

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo in the United Kingdom is launching an 18‑month Graduate Programme for a Graduate Firmware Engineer based in Luton. From day one you’ll contribute to real projects, gaining hands-on experience across the firmware lifecycle, including FPGA/embedded designs and HDL activities.

You’ll work with seasoned engineers, receive structured development and have opportunities for travel for technical reviews and customer engagements within a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field is required.
• Interest in firmware development, FPGA design and embedded systems is essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Designing and developing FPGA firmware solutions for complex embedded and real-time systems.
• Creating and verifying designs using HDL and industry-standard development tools.
• Supporting the development of digital processing technologies used in EW and sensing applications.
• Conducting simulation, testing and validation activities to ensure firmware meets requirements.
• Analyzing technical data and presenting findings to engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate firmware into larger products.
• Contributing to technical documentation, design reviews and customer deliverables.
• Understanding the complete engineering lifecycle from concept through to manufacture and in-service support.

Skills

Firmware development

Embedded systems

FPGA design

Verilog

VHDL

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

FPGA development tools

HDL tools

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you ready to 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 extraordinary - shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development.

At Leonardo, we develop the advanced technologies that help keep people safe. As a Graduate Firmware Engineer , you'll join a team delivering world-leading Electronic Warfare capabilities that protect fast jets, UAVs, naval vessels and land platforms operating in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Our structured 18-month Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate your development from graduate to professional engineer. From day one, you'll contribute to real projects, work alongside industry experts, and gain hands‑on experience across the full firmware development lifecycle.

This opportunity is based in Luton , with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available. Occasional travel within the UK and overseas may be required to support technical reviews, trials and customer engagements.

What You'll Do

As part of our Firmware Engineering team, you'll support the development of high‑performance digital systems used within advanced Electronic Warfare solutions.

• Designing and developing FPGA firmware solutions for complex embedded and real‑time systems
• Creating and verifying designs using hardware description languages and industry‑standard development tools
• Supporting the development of digital processing technologies used in Electronic Warfare and sensing applications
• Conducting simulation, testing and validation activities to ensure firmware meets functional, timing and performance requirements
• Analysing technical data and presenting findings to engineering teams and stakeholders
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across systems, hardware, software and verification engineering to integrate firmware solutions into larger products
• Contributing to technical documentation, design reviews and customer deliverables
• Developing an understanding of the complete engineering lifecycle, from concept through to manufacture and in‑service support

What We're Looking For

We're looking for curious, motivated graduates with a passion for engineering, problem solving and technology.

You should have, or be on track to achieve:

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor's degree, Integrated Master's degree, MSc or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline, such as:
• Electronic Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• AI & Cybernetics
• Communications Engineering
• Information Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Physics or Applied Physics
• Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Computer Communication and Networks
• Related disciplines

We'd also like to see:

• An interest in firmware development, FPGA design, embedded systems or digital signal processing
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from experienced engineers
• Experience of programming, simulation, digital design or laboratory‑based testing gained through university projects, placements or personal interests (desirable, not essential)
• Familiarity with hardware description languages such as VHDL , Verilog or SystemVerilog, or FPGA development tools, is beneficial but not essential

Our Graduate Programme

Our Graduate Programme has been designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a future engineering leader.

• Structured professional development and technical training
• Support from experienced engineers, mentors and the wider graduate community
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects with real customer impact
• Development towards professional registration, where applicable
• Exposure to a wide range of technologies, products and engineering disciplines
• Networking opportunities across Leonardo's UK business

Security Clearance

Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel hi