Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense firm is seeking a Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer to work on the Global Combat Air System Programme in Edinburgh. The successful candidate will develop firmware for complex systems, with responsibilities including team leadership and technical reviews both in the UK and abroad. A degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering and 5 years of UK residency for SC security clearance are required. The role offers a hybrid work environment and generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous leave and additional flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for employees

Free access to online courses

Flexible working options

Up to £500 on flexible benefits

Qualifications

• 5 years UK residency and capable of achieving full SC security clearance.
• Passionate about delivering pragmatic solutions.
• Willing to learn and develop through technical career path.

Responsibilities

• Deliver firmware for complex digital systems to meet customer requirements.
• Support the delivery of work from several engineers.
• Contribute to maturing a mission critical component.

Skills

Ability to analyze system level requirements

Experience in firmware design techniques

Good verbal and written communication skills

Experience with FPGA architectures

Ability to prepare documentation

Education

Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related field

Tools

VHDL

FPGA Tools

Job description

Overview

Job Description:

An opportunity has arisen within Leonardo Edinburgh for a Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer to work on the Global Combat Air System Programme (GCAP). This role will contribute to maturing and delivering a mission critical component that will be installed onto the GCAP core platform. This is a position to play a fundamental part in a defence programme of national importance and help shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK.

If you have a proven track-record and are passionate about delivering pragmatic solutions, we would like to hear from you.

What you'll bring

As a Lead Firmware/FPGA Engineer, you will work with the support of experts in their field, using world-class facilities to deliver firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements. Your role may involve travel within the UK or abroad for technical reviews. You will use or develop team leading experience to support the delivery of work from several engineers and enhance processes across UK-wide FPGA/Firmware delivery teams.

• Ability to analyse system level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements.
• Ability to prepare documentation for other engineers and design reviews.
• Experience in firmware design techniques and tools, from VHDL to place-and-route.
• Experience with FPGA architectures such as system-on-chip (e.g. Xilinx Versal).
• Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience of working in mixed discipline teams.
• Degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or a related field.
• Due to the nature of our work, you must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of achieving full SC security clearance.
• Personal attributes and values are important; we look for engineers willing to learn, progress and develop through our technical career path. If you are passionate and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem solving, we would like to hear from you.

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) may apply, including meeting eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. 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 at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please discuss what might be possible for this role.

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

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid