Staff FPGA Engineer

Entrust; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Entrust is seeking a technically hands-on FPGA lead to drive design and delivery of FPGA-based security solutions. You will own FPGA architecture, manage cross‑functional workstreams, and mentor engineers while delivering robust, scalable implementations.

The role focuses on VHDL RTL design, FPGA integration with embedded software, and ensuring timing closure across complex systems. Flexible, hybrid working options are available for this position in the Cambridge area.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex FPGA-based systems.
• Experience translating algorithms into efficient FPGA implementations and integrating FPGA designs into hardware/software.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, implementation, verification, and debug of VHDL-based FPGA solutions.
• Owns FPGA architectural design including interfaces and performance trade-offs.
• Drives integration of FPGA components with embedded and host software systems.
• Defines FPGA development work and creates deliverable tasks and plans.
• Provides estimates for FPGA activities and identifies dependencies.
• Mentors engineers and supports multi-team collaboration.
• Leads resolution of complex technical challenges and timing closure.

Skills

VHDL RTL design

Synthesis/place & route/timing closure

Verification methodologies

Xilinx FPGA architectures

C or Python

Linux/Windows development

Bring-up and debugging

Education

Electronic Engineering or related degree

Job description

Join us at Entrust

At Entrust, we’re shaping the future of identity centric security solutions. From our comprehensive portfolio of solutions to our flexible, global workplace, we empower careers, foster collaboration, and build solutions that help keep the world moving safely.

Entrust's values are a cornerstone of who we are, our future business growth and how our people grow through it. We model our values by demonstrating that Customer Trust Is Earned, moving with purpose because Speed Is Intentional, taking accountability because We Own the Outcome, and building a collaborative culture where One Entrust Wins Together.

Get to Know Us

Headquartered in Minnesota, Entrust is an industry leader in identity-centric security solutions, serving over 150 countries with cutting‑edge, scalable technologies. But our secret weapon? Our people. It’s the curiosity, dedication, and innovation that drive our success and help us anticipate the future.

Position Overview

Provides technical leadership in the design and delivery of FPGA-based solutions within complex, security‑focused systems. Owns FPGA architecture, implementation, and integration, and contributes to system‑level design and planning. Drives technical direction, delivery planning, and execution across FPGA workstreams, while remaining a hands‑on contributor.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, implementation, verification, and debug of VHDL-based FPGA solutions for new and existing products.
• Owns FPGA architectural design, including partitioning, interfaces, and performance trade‑offs within system constraints.
• Drives integration of FPGA components with embedded and host software systems, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.
• Defines and structures FPGA development work, translating requirements into deliverable tasks and clear technical plans.
• Provides estimates for FPGA activities, ensuring plans are realistic, risks are understood, and dependencies are identified.
• Coordinates and balances FPGA work across engineers, aligning tasks to skill levels and supporting effective team delivery.
• Guides day‑to‑day execution, providing technical direction and unblocking engineers during implementation.
• Identifies and mitigates technical risks and delivery bottlenecks.
• Defines and evolves FPGA development processes, including configuration management, CI/CD, and verification practices.
• Contributes to system architecture, working with hardware, software, and product teams to define platform capabilities.
• Leads resolution of complex technical challenges (e.g. timing closure, resource optimisation, system integration).
• Mentors and develops engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborates across teams to ensure alignment of FPGA deliverables with system and product objectives.

Required Experience

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering complex FPGA-based systems, including:
  • VHDL RTL design
  • Synthesis, place & route, and timing closure
  • Verification methodologies (simulation, testbenches, coverage)
  • Xilinx FPGA architectures and toolchains
• Experience translating algorithms into efficient FPGA implementations, optimised for performance, area, and power.
• Experience integrating FPGA designs into hardware/software systems, including bring‑up and debugging.
• Software development experience (e.g. C or Python) to support tooling, test, or integration.
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows development environments.

Bonus Experience

• Xilinx SoC platforms (e.g. Zynq, Versal)
• Intel (Altera) FPGA architectures, including SoCs
• Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Cryptographic algorithms or secure hardware systems
• Product compliance, certification, or regulated environments

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates ownership and accountability for technical delivery.
• Applies a structured approach to planning, estimation, and execution.
• Effectively guides and develops other engineers, particularly less experienced team members.
• Maintains a hands‑on approach while operating at system and team level.
• Strong collaborator, able to influence without authority.
• Comfortable working in complex, multi‑disciplinary environments.

Career and Culture

At Entrust, we don’t just offer jobs – we offer career journeys. Here is what you can expect when you join our team:

• Career Growth: Whether you’re a budding developer or a seasoned expert, we’re invested in your professional journey. With learning‑forward initiatives and exciting challenges, your growth is our priority.
• Flexibility: Life is all about balance. Whether you’re remote, hybrid, or on‑site, we offer flexible options that fit your lifestyle.
• Collaboration: Here, your voice matters. Our teams thrive on sharing ideas, brainstorming solutions, and working together to build a better tomorrow.

We believe in securing identities—but it doesn’t stop there. At Entrust, we’re passionate about valuing all identities. Our culture is built on diversity, inclusion, and respect. From unconscious bias training for our leaders to global affinity groups that connect colleagues across the globe, we’re creating a community where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Entrust is an EEO/AA/Disabled/Veterans Employer

Entrust values diversity and inclusion and we are committed to building a diverse workforce with wide perspectives and innovative ideas. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, and we strive to provide an accessible experience for candidates of all abilities.

If you require an accommodation, contact [e-mail].