Electronic & Firmware Engineer
Location: Barton-under-Needwood
Contract: Outside IR35
Job Purpose
To provide electronic and firmware engineering expertise to engineering and project teams delivering a locomotive re-power project for Hong Kong.
Qualifications & Experience
Engineering degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the design, development, and testing of electronic control equipment hardware within the railway industry
Experience using Electrical & Electronic CAD systems (e.g., AutoCAD, Altium)
Proficiency in VHDL programming and developing FPGA-based systems
Experience in digital and analogue electronics hardware design and PCB manufacture
Knowledge and experience in designing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Essential Attributes
Positive attitude, self-motivated and aware of personal strengths
Able to work with limited supervision, manage workload effectively, and make sound decisions
Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical issues clearly and concisely
Proficient in the use of common office applications and tools, including Microsoft® Office™
Willingness to work at different locations (potentially abroad) to support project delivery and product performance
Principal Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Develop FPGA firmware in VHDL, including programming, debugging, and testing
Implement amendments to FPGA software in response to design changes or issues
Apply understanding of FPGA architecture to optimise performance
Integrate FPGA software with wider system components
Design and develop PCB hardware for the rail industry, including schematic capture, layout, and manufacturing
Apply modifications to existing PCB designs and troubleshoot using Altium
Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices for rail electronics
Produce and check technical documentation, including specifications, design information, test plans, reports, and verification evidence
Provide evidence to support conformance with standards such as BS EN 50155
Conduct risk evaluation, assessment, and mitigation related to electronic system safety hazards
Support investigations into electronic system and component failures, identify root cause, and present findings
Support validation of electronic control equipment—including type, routine, and compliance testing—along with installation and commissioning activities at customer sites
Specify test equipment and develop requirements for measuring or monitoring electrical and electronic systems in operation
Perform any other duties within capability, training, or experience
Quality, Health & Safety
Comply with all company and statutory Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental, and related policies and procedures
Support proactive Health & Safety management processes
Ensure investigations and reporting on defective or failed components are completed in line with policies and timescales
Customer
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the customer to support the company’s reputation as a high-quality provider of railway vehicle services
Continuous Improvement
Identify improvement opportunities within the area of responsibility