Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer

Morson Edge; Crawley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension with employer contributions

Flexible working; hybrid

Job summary

Thales seeks a Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer to design and deliver high-performance firmware for mission-critical defence and aerospace systems. You will own FPGA-based design across the full development lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in systems, hardware, and software engineering.

The role emphasizes architecture, verification, and continuous process improvement. The ideal candidate has strong FPGA firmware experience, VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog expertise, and a

Qualifications

• Strong experience developing firmware for FPGA-based systems.
• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
• Experience with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim/QuestaSim).
• Solid understanding of digital design and hardware/software integration.
• Ability to contribute to or lead design and architecture activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Lead or contribute to firmware architecture and design decisions.
• Verify and validate firmware using simulation and testbench environments.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support requirements definition, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware processes (automation, scripting).
• Use industry-standard tools for FPGA and SoC development.
• Support integration activities, including occasional work at customer/test sites.

Skills

FPGA firmware

VHDL

Verilog/SystemVerilog

ModelSim/QuestaSim

Digital design

HW/SW integration

Team collaboration

Tools

ModelSim

QuestaSim

Linux

MATLAB

DOORS

Job description

Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer Are you an experienced FPGA or firmware engineer looking to work on cutting-edge technology in defence, aerospace, and security? Do you want to be part of a highly skilled team designing systems that make the world safer? Then look no further… We're looking for a Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer to join our established engineering team delivering advanced electronic systems across defence and related sectors. You'll play a key role in developing high-performance firmware solutions used in mission-critical environments, contributing to innovative technologies across aerospace, defence, transportation, security, and space. As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you'll take ownership of FPGA-based design and development, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across systems, hardware, and software engineering. You'll contribute across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to validation, helping ensure high-quality, reliable products. In this role, you will:

• Design and develop firmware using Hardware Description Languages (VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog)
• Lead or contribute to firmware architecture and design decisions
• Verify and validate firmware using simulation and testbench environments
• Work closely with systems, hardware, and software engineers to deliver integrated solutions
• Support requirements definition, design reviews, and technical decision-making
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware processes (automation, documentation, scripting)
• Use industry-standard tools for FPGA and system-on-chip development
• Support integration activities, including occasional work at customer or test sites
• Deliver work to agreed time, cost, and quality standards

We\'re looking for a collaborative and proactive engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and can operate with a high level of autonomy. You\'ll bring:

• Strong experience developing firmware for FPGA-based systems
• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog
• Experience with simulation and verification tools (e.g. ModelSim, QuestaSim)
• Solid understanding of digital design and hardware/software integration
• Ability to contribute to or lead design and architecture activities
• Strong communication skills and experience working in multidisciplinary teams

Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance

• Nice to have: Experience in defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical industries
• Knowledge of protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, AXI
• Experience with verification methodologies (e.g. OSVVM, UVVM)
• Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, DOORS, or Linux environments
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading small teams

At Thales, we\'re committed to helping you be your best. If you meet 70% or more of what we\'re looking for, we encourage you to apply. We value potential as much as experience and offer opportunities to learn, grow, and develop your career in a supportive environment. You\'ll benefit from world-class training, development opportunities, and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. You\'ll also receive a package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Coaching, training, and ongoing career development
• Pension with employer contributions
• Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and early finish on Fridays

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. This includes providing evidence of identity, right to work in the UK, and employment/education history. Some roles may require additional vetting.