Senior or Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Leonardo SpA; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a global leader in aerospace and defence as a Senior FPGA/Firmware Engineer in Luton. This role involves the design and delivery of firmware for self-protection systems and offers opportunities for growth in a hybrid working environment. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, flexible working hours, and professional development access.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Dental schemes

Flexible working hours

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Access to online courses via Coursera

Qualifications

• 5 years UK residency and ability to obtain full SC security clearance required.
• Experience within the defence industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver firmware for complex digital systems based on specifications.
• Collaborate with experts and travel for technical reviews.

Skills

Design tools (Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog, UVM)

FPGA architectures

Fast interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, JESD)

Model-driven engineering with Matlab and Simulink

Cryptography and anti-tamper techniques

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Electronics test methods

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree in relevant fields

Job description

Senior or Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

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 based in Luton or Bristol.

What you will do

As an FPGA/Firmware engineer, you will work with the support of experts in their field, using 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 skills and experience:

• Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog, and UVM
• FPGA architectures including Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi (Actel)
• Experience with 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 specifications
• A structured approach to firmware design (e.g., RTCA DO-254 or similar)
• Knowledge of cryptography and anti-tamper techniques
• Understanding of artificial intelligence, 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 experience
• Must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of obtaining full SC security clearance

Security Clearance

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

Preferred experience:

• Experience within the defence industry

Life at Leonardo

Leonardo offers a funded benefits package, commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours focused on employee and customer needs. Join us for opportunities to grow and develop your career.

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

For full details, visit our website.

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

We value diversity and inclusion, striving to create a welcoming and accessible workplace where everyone can thrive.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and become part of Leonardo's future. We support your development and growth. Join us!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working: Hybrid