Job Description
FPGA Engineer
Location: UK (Multiple Sites - Basildon, Luton, Edinburgh, Southampton, Bristol, Lincoln, Newcastle)Working Pattern: Minimum 3 days on-site / 2 days remoteContract Type: 12-month contract
Security & Eligibility Requirements
* UK Nationals only
* Must be eligible for UK Eyes Only / high-security defence programmes
* No dual nationals permitted
* Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance
We are seeking an experienced FPGA Engineer to join a multidisciplinary engineering team working on advanced precision guidance and airborne electro-optical systems.
This role involves the full FPGA firmware lifecycle, from requirements capture and architecture through to implementation, verification, integration, and support into early production. You will be working with cutting-edge high-speed FPGA and SoC technologies, contributing to mission-critical systems within a structured and safety-focused engineering environment.
FPGA Design & Development
* Design and develop embedded FPGA firmware using VHDL (primary) and/or SystemVerilog
* Work across full firmware lifecycle: concept, design, implementation, verification, and integration
* Modify and maintain existing FPGA designs and test benches
* Implement timing-accurate, resource-optimised FPGA architectures
Requirements & Systems Engineering
* Capture, analyse, and manage firmware requirements from system-level specifications
* Translate complex system requirements into detailed FPGA design requirements
* Ensure traceability across design, implementation, and verification activities
Verification & Testing
* Develop FPGA verification strategies and test plans
* Perform simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing
* Debug firmware issues at FPGA, hardware, and system level
* Support integration with PCB and embedded software teams
Documentation & Process Compliance
* Produce detailed technical documentation for design reviews and engineering teams
* Provide evidence to support formal design assurance processes
* Work within structured firmware development lifecycles (e.g. DO-254 or equivalent safety-critical processes)
* Support formal design reviews and technical governance activities
Cross-Functional Engineering
* Collaborate with hardware, PCB, and embedded software engineers
* Support system integration activities across multidisciplinary teams
* Engage with internal engineering stakeholders and partner organisations
Required Skills & Experience
* Strong experience with FPGA design and development
* Expertise in VHDL and/or SystemVerilog
* Experience with FPGA technologies such as:
o Xilinx
o Microchip (formerly Microsemi/Actel)
o Lattice
* Strong understanding of FPGA timing constraints, synthesis, and place & route optimisation
* Experience in firmware verification methodologies (simulation, testbenches, debug tools)
* Ability to interpret system-level requirements and derive detailed firmware specifications
* Experience working within structured engineering processes (e.g. DO-254 or equivalent)
* Strong debugging skills across FPGA, hardware, and system integration layers
* Ability to communicate effectively across engineering disciplines
Desirable Skills
* Experience in safety-critical or regulated environments (IEC 61508 or similar)
* Familiarity with Siemens EDA tools:
o ModelSim / Questa
o HDL Designer
* Experience with airborne, defence, aerospace, or electro-optical systems
* SoC-based FPGA development experience
* Experience working in high-security or classified programmes