Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer

Morson Edge; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension with employer contributions

Hybrid working

Generous holidays

Job summary

Morson Edge is seeking a Principal FPGA Engineer to join our established engineering team in defence, aerospace, and security sectors. You will design and deliver high-performance firmware for FPGA-based systems, collaborating with systems, hardware, and software engineers to ensure integrated solutions.

The role requires strong HDL expertise, VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog, and experience with simulation tools.

Qualifications

• Strong experience developing firmware for FPGA-based systems.
• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
• Experience with simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, QuestaSim).
• 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 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.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL

Verilog

SystemVerilog

Digital design

Hardware/software integration

Leadership

Team collaboration

Tools

ModelSim

QuestaSim

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 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

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)
• 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, AXIExperience 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 withservice
• 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.