Graduate FPGA/Firmware Engineer

ULTRA ELECTRONICS; Taplow; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Cover

25 Days Holiday (plus Bank Holidays)

Job summary

ULTRA ELECTRONICS is seeking graduates to join the Firmware/FPGA Engineering stream. You will develop FPGA designs, implement VHDL solutions, and create self-checking test benches while ensuring designs meet customer and project objectives.

The role involves working within a cybersecurity-focused environment, with requirements to obtain SC and DV security clearances as needed. A degree in a STEM field and hands-on FPGA coursework are important foundations for success.

Qualifications

• Relevant STEM degree with a minimum of a 2:2 achieved in the last two years.
• Experience in digital circuit design and FPGA firmware module design.

Responsibilities

• Create FPGA designs and VHDL implementations to meet requirements.
• Manage requirements and traceability using DOORS.
• Collaborate across disciplines to develop solutions that meet customer needs.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL

Digital circuit design

Analytical thinking

Education

STEM degree (min 2:2)

Tools

DOORS

Job description

Developing your Firmware/FPGA Engineering skills and technical knowledge of solutions Work constructively with other team members, solving complex problems between disciplines, to develop solutions that meet our customers' requirements and business objectives Creation of the FPGA designs and plans, develop VHDL implementation solutions to meet the requirements, and self-checking test benches using industry standard tools and techniques. Management of Requirements and related information using tools such as DOORS Manage security of information as defined in the Security Aspects to ensure compliance with Government regulations
Relevant degree in a STEM related discipline with a minimum of a lower second-class honours degree achieved within the past two years. Experience of designing digital circuits. Experience in FPGA firmware module design and implementation, preferably through studying one or more modules relating to FPGAs as part of the degree course. You must be able to apply your knowledge of science and/or engineering to real world problems as part of a team and as an individual, communicating technical and project aspects Desirable Skills: Application of FPGA firmware development using VHDL beyond that provided during formal education, for example through application in personal projects using FPGA development boards. Experience of FPGA firmware development processes, synthesizing designs, performing timing analysis, creating test benches, and debugging designs. A Thinker, taking a holistic approach to problem solving that considers both technical and non-technical issues Logical and Analytical in your approach to clarify how the solution needs to work, seeking out options, justifying decisions, implementing a risk based and best value outcome. Knowledge of the engineering lifecycle and V-model. Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS. An appreciation of cryptography and the nuances of the different techniques that can be employed for secure communication. Role Requirements:

• Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, SC security clearance.
• Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance (following attainment of SC clearance). Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website. Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield-find your place in the future of defense.
• Cyber Business Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide., Based at our Cyber Centre of Excellence in Maidenhead. We are global market leaders within embedded encryption solutions which is forged by decades of Cryptographic engineering accomplishments. We protect highly sensitive information, working with nations worldwide to help ensure their information is secure. Our engineers work on the most difficult cybersecurity challenges to protect our national security and critical infrastructure; we strive to protect what matters. Why Join our Graduate Scheme? We are seeking talented graduates for our September 2027 intake with a passion for cyber-security and engineering with an inquisitive mind, an intrinsic interest in innovation, enthusiasm for solving complex technical engineering problems, and achieving success through teamwork. You will be provided with a unique experience to work on a range of projects from early inception to delivery in addition to early research activities pathfinding future crypto solutions. The 2-year graduate programme will focus on your growth as a Firmware Engineer, whilst offering an understanding to our other key engineering disciplines. After completion of the two-year scheme, you are offered a position within the Firmware engineering function located in Maidenhead our state-of-the‑art Cyber Centre of Excellence. Your development will be supported through on-the-job coaching from experienced team members, access to mentoring and peer support, and training opportunities to develop both your technical and professional skills. We encourage graduates to participate in completing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to progress their engineering competence and work towards professional recognition of their achievements. We also help support our engineers to become chartered or incorporated. Opportunities may also be available to get involved in STEM outreach activities, including engagement with schools and universities and supporting summer placements.
• Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:
  • Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
  • Private Medical Cover
  • 25 days' holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
  • Pension Contribution
  • 4 x Life Assurance Cover
  • Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
  • Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
  • Security Clearance Allowance - where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance