VHLD Firmware Engineer

ALTEN; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Reading is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to design and develop VHDL firmware for mission-critical aerospace systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience and a strong background in FPGA development. This role offers a hybrid working model, significant career growth, and involvement in cutting-edge projects that contribute directly to operational capabilities in the defense sector.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle & Tech Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings

Flexible way of working

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in VHDL firmware development for FPGAs.
• Strong proficiency in FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus.
• Experience with firmware design, simulation, and verification.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain VHDL firmware for FPGA-based systems.
• Implement and optimize firmware for performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate firmware into complex systems.

Skills

VHDL firmware development

FPGA development tools

firmware design, simulation, and verification

digital signal processing

communication protocols

version control systems

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant Engineering field

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Intel Quartus

Job description

Company Description

ALTENis a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

Join our team to deliver high-impact firmware solutions for mission-critical aerospace and defence systems . You’ll develop VHDL firmwarefor FPGAs, ensuring robust performance and reliability in advanced communication and avionics applications. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects where your expertise directly supports operational capability in dynamic environments.

Location: Reading

On-site: Hybrid (3 days per week)

Seniority: Senior (5 years of relevant experience)

Clearance: Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and capable of obtaining BPSS clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain VHDL firmware for FPGA-based systems in aerospace and defence applications.
• Implement and optimize firmware to meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate firmware into complex systems.
• Conduct testing, debugging, and validation of firmware designs.
• Support configuration management and documentation processes.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices for firmware development.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• 5 years of experience in VHDL firmware development for FPGAs.
• Strong proficiency in FPGA development tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus).
• Experience with firmware design, simulation, and verification.
• Knowledge of digital signal processing and communication protocols.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Adaptability in fast-paced, regulated environments.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and quality assurance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant Engineering field,OR relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands‑on experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with embedded systems and real‑time processing.
• Knowledge of ModelSim, SystemVerilog, or UVM.
• Exposure to aerospace/defence standards (e.g., DO-254 or -178).
• Familiarity with Python or Tcl scripting for automation.

Additional Information

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.