Principal Firmware Engineer Luton - 90% on-site £75ph inside IR35 A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Principal Firmware Engineer to join a fast-paced, technology-driven team working on complex digital systems. This is an excellent role for someone who thrives in a collaborative engineering environment and is passionate about delivering high-integrity firmware solutions for advanced applications. What You'll Do As a Firmware Engineer, you will work alongside subject-matter experts using world-class facilities to develop firmware for cutting-edge systems. Your responsibilities will span the full development lifecycle - from requirements definition and architectural design to implementation, testing, and integration. What You'll Bring Proficiency with tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM. Experience with FPGA architectures including Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi (Actel). Knowledge of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD. Familiarity with auto-generated code using MATLAB/Simulink and model-driven design. Strong ability to derive firmware requirements and architecture from system-level specifications. A structured approach to firmware development, ideally aligned with standards like RTCA DO-254. Awareness of cryptographic methods and anti-tamper techniques. Interest in or experience with AI/ML algorithms, including genetic algorithms. Qualifications: HNC/HND or degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics - or equivalent practical experience. Candidates must have been a UK resident for the past 5 years and be eligible to obtain SC clearance