Senior or Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd seeks an experienced FPGA/Firmware Engineer for their Luton or Bristol teams, tasked with delivering complex firmware for self-protection systems on various platforms. This role offers opportunities for travel and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, flexible working hours, and a supportive company culture.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Dental schemes

Workplace ISA

Go Green Car Scheme

Technology and lifestyle allowances (£500/year)

25 days plus bank holidays

Options to buy/sell leave

12 additional flexi leave days per year

Up to 15% employer contribution in pension

Mental health support

Qualifications

• Candidate must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of obtaining full SC security clearance.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams is essential.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver firmware for complex digital systems meeting future customer requirements.
• Role may involve travel across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.
• Work with experts in the field utilizing world-class facilities.

Skills

Xilinx

TCL

Verilog

System Verilog

UVM

PCIe

Ethernet

JESD

Matlab

Simulink

Cryptography

AI

Machine Learning

Electronics Testing

Education

HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics

Job description

Job Description:

Would you like to deliver the complex Firmware that forms part of our self-protection systems installed on fast jet, UAV, land, and naval platforms?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced FPGA/Firmware Engineer to join our growing teams in Luton or Bristol.

What you will do

As an FPGA/Firmware engineer, you will work with support from experts in the field, utilizing world-class facilities to deliver firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements. Your role may involve travel across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

What we need from you

Essential requirements:

• Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog, and UVM
• FPGA architectures like Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi (Actel)
• Fast interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD
• Auto-generated code using model-driven engineering with Matlab and Simulink
• Derivation of detailed firmware requirements and architecture from system requirements
• A structured approach to firmware design (e.g., RTCA DO-254)
• Cryptography and anti-tamper techniques
• Artificial Intelligence, including machine learning and genetic algorithms
• Electronics test methods and equipment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
• HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics, or equivalent skills and experience
• Must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of obtaining full SC security clearance

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Desirable skills:

• Experience within the defence industry

Life at Leonardo

With a comprehensive benefits package, commitment to learning and development, and flexible working arrangements, a career with Leonardo offers numerous opportunities for growth and work-life balance.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid working options and flexible hours. Part-time opportunities available.
• Benefits: Private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle allowances (£500/year).
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, options to buy/sell leave, and up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
• Pension: Up to 15% employer contribution in our pension scheme.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and diversity & inclusion networks.
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Training: Access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera.
• Referral Incentive: Rewards for successful referrals.
• Bonus Scheme: Available for all employees at management level and below.

For a full list of benefits, please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, headquartered in Italy with over 45,000 employees worldwide, including 8,000 in the UK.

We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming, accessible, and safe environment where everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

This is a great opportunity to contribute your talents to Leonardo’s future. We support your skill development and career growth—join us!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Yes