Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer

Morson Talent; Crawley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension with employer contributions

Hybrid working

Career development opportunities

Generous holidays

Job summary

Morson Talent is seeking a Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer to join a respected defence engineering team in Crawley. You will design and deliver high-performance firmware for FPGA-based systems used in mission-critical environments across defence and related sectors.

You will own FPGA-based design, work with systems, hardware and software teams, and contribute across the full lifecycle from requirements to validation. Eligibility for UK Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 testbenches.
• 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, 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.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

UK Security Clearance eligibility

Tools

ModelSim/QuestaSim

MATLAB

Linux

DOORS

Job description

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

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:

• 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

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.