Lead FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo seeks a Lead FPGA/Firmware Engineer for its Luton-based team to deliver sophisticated firmware solutions for cutting-edge systems. The role combines leadership and technical skills, allowing for impactful contributions in a dynamic environment offering hybrid working options and numerous company-funded benefits.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Dental schemes

Company-funded technology and lifestyle allowances (£500/year)

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Discounted gym memberships

Free online courses via Coursera

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams or managing work packages.
• Knowledge of high-speed interfaces like PCIe, Ethernet.
• Familiarity with RTCA DO-254 approach for FPGA design.

Responsibilities

• Deliver firmware for complex digital systems.
• Support work from several engineers.
• Enhance processes across FPGA/Firmware teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

FPGA design

High-speed interface knowledge

Model-driven engineering

Knowledge of cryptography

Experience with AI

Education

HNC/HND or undergraduate degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics

Tools

Xilinx

TCL

Verilog

SystemVerilog

UVM

Job description

Are you interested in delivering complex firmware that forms part of our self-protection systems installed on fast jets, UAVs, land, and naval platforms? Do you have experience leading firmware teams or delivering highly complex embedded solutions?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead FPGA/Firmware Engineer to join our growing Luton-based team. We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options.

What you will do

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

What we need from you

• Experience leading teams or managing packages of work
• Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM
• FPGA architectures such as Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi (Actel)
• Experience with high-speed interfaces like PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD
• Auto-generated code using model-driven engineering with Matlab and Simulink
• Derivation of detailed FPGA/Firmware requirements and architecture from system requirements
• A structured approach to FPGA/firmware design (e.g., RTCA DO-254 or similar)
• Knowledge of cryptography and anti-tamper techniques
• Experience with artificial intelligence, including machine learning and genetic algorithms
• Electronics test methods and equipment knowledge
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
• HNC/HND or undergraduate degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics, or equivalent experience gained through work

Due to the nature of our work, candidates must have 5 years of UK residency and be capable of obtaining full SC security clearance.

Security Clearance

Experience within the defence industry is preferred.

Life at Leonardo

We offer a benefits package funded by the company, a commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours tailored to employees and customer needs. A career with Leonardo provides many opportunities and is accessible to many people.

Flexible Working: Hybrid working options and flexible hours. Part-time opportunities available—please inquire.

Company-funded benefits: Private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle allowances (£500/year).

Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days annually.

Pension: An award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme offering free mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and diversity & inclusion networks (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers).

Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships, Cycle to Work scheme.

Training: Free access to over 4,000 online courses via Coursera.

Referral Incentive: Rewards for successfully referring friends or family members.

Bonus Scheme: Available for all employees at management level and below.