Senior FPGA Engineer

IO Associates; Newport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

IO Associates is seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to join a dynamic aerospace and defence team in Newport. You will design FPGA-based digital systems from concept to implementation, translating requirements into hardware, and supporting integration in critical systems.

The role emphasizes verification, simulation, and documentation, with on-site collaboration and a 37-hour week. Security clearance to SC level or eligibility is required. This is a six-month contract with potential extensions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing FPGA devices on Altera, Microsemi, or Xilinx platforms.
• Strong HDL knowledge in VHDL or Verilog and digital hardware design principles.
• Experience with FPGA verification, simulation, and validation processes.
• Experience with embedded systems development and related tools.
• Willingness to work on-site in Newport and commit to a 37-hour week.

Responsibilities

• Design FPGA-based digital systems from concept to implementation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate system requirements into hardware solutions.
• Conduct simulation and verification activities to ensure design integrity.
• Assist in integration and testing of FPGA devices within larger systems.
• Document design specifications and implement hardware development best practices.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during production and operation.

Skills

FPGA design experience

HDL (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded systems knowledge

FPGA verification & validation

Tools

Altera

Xilinx

Microsemi

Job description

Newport

Senior FPGA Engineer

We are seeking a talented Senior FPGA Engineer to join a dynamic team in the Aerospace and Defence industry. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects within a reputable organisation that values innovation, collaborative culture, and professional growth.

Our Client operates at the forefront of technological advancement in aerospace and defence sectors, providing solutions that significantly impact national security and aerospace innovation. They foster a positive working environment characterised by support, development opportunities, and a commitment to excellence.

This strategic role is vital as it supports the ongoing development and refinement of highly specialised digital devices used in critical systems. Your expertise will directly influence the performance and reliability of complex hardware solutions, making it an exciting position for those passionate about embedded systems and FPGA design.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and developing FPGA‑based digital systems from concept through to implementation
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to translate system requirements into technical solutions
• Conducting simulation and verification activities to ensure design integrity
• Assisting in the integration and testing of FPGA devices within larger systems
• Documenting design specifications and implementing best practices for hardware development
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting during production and operational phases

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven recent experience designing FPGA devices, specifically with Altera, Microsemi, or Xilinx platforms
• Strong understanding of digital hardware design principles and HDL languages such as VHDL or Verilog
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA verification, simulation, and validation processes
• Knowledge of embedded systems and associated development tools
• Ability to work on‑site in Newport, with a flexible standard 37‑hour week

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience with high‑speed digital interfaces and signal integrity
• Knowledge of hardware security and robustness techniques
• Familiarity with agile project methodologies within hardware development environments

This is a contract position initially scheduled for six months, with a high likelihood of ongoing extensions. You will need to hold security clearance at SC level or be eligible to obtain it before starting.

Candidates with a background in aerospace, defence, or related high‑technology sectors are encouraged to apply. Recent design experience involving suppliers like Altera, Microsemi, and Xilinx is particularly advantageous.