Principal and Lead FPGA Engineers

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

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company in the UK seeks a Lead or Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer to develop cutting-edge firmware for complex systems used in aviation and military platforms. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, system integration, and potential travel across the UK. Ideal candidates are experienced with FPGA design tools and possess strong communication skills. The role offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package including a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support

Access to online courses

Flexible working hours

Up to £500 for flexible benefits

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or related.
• Experience with FPGA tools like Xilinx and UVM.
• Ability to derive FPGA requirements from system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Capture and manage firmware requirements.
• Design and analyze FPGA solutions.
• Develop FPGA test and integration plans.

Skills

FPGA design and analysis

Communication skills

Cryptography techniques

Machine learning

Electronic test methods

Education

HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree in relevant fields

Tools

Xilinx

TCL

Verilog

System Verilog

Matlab

Simulink

Job description

Overview

Lead and Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineers are sought to join our growing Luton or Bristol based teams. You will work with experts to deliver firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements in fast jet, UAV, land, and naval platforms. Your role may involve travel across 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 help enhance processes across UK-wide FPGA/Firmware delivery teams.

What you will do

• Firmware requirements capture and management;
• FPGA design and analysis;
• Production of documentation for other engineers and evidence for design reviews;
• Development of FPGA test and FPGA integration plans;
• Perform system integration work with PCB designers;
• Support all firmware designs through the company firmware process – training will be given;
• Modification of existing firmware designs and test benches.

What you’ll bring

• An HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree (Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics) or equivalent experience.
• Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog and UVM;
• FPGA architectures such as Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale; Intel (Altera) or Microsemi (Actel).
• Fast interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD is also required.
• Auto-generated code using model driven engineering with Matlab and Simulink tools;
• Derivation of detailed FPGA/Firmware requirements and architecture from system requirements;
• A structured approach to FPGA/firmware design (RTCA DO-254 or similar);
• Cryptography and anti-tamper techniques;
• Artificial Intelligence including machine learning and genetic algorithms;
• Electronic test methods and equipment;
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

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 the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information, visit: 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 are 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 feasibility 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 contribute to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

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

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid