Salary Range: £38k - £53k. Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity. Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment. Leonardo offers an additional allowance for some roles – for more information please contact ukcareers@leonardo.com.
Your Impact
What does it take to make complex EW and Future Combat Air systems react in real time, under extreme conditions? At Leonardo, it’s the FPGA logic at the heart of those systems that makes the difference. As an FPGA Design Engineer working on our EW and FCA programmes, you’ll help develop the programmable logic that enables high‑speed sensing, signal processing and decision‑making in mission‑critical environments. Based primarily in Luton, this role combines real programme delivery with access to a structured FPGA Academy, allowing capable engineers to deepen and accelerate their FPGA expertise while contributing to live EW and combat‑air systems. Hybrid working is supported, with on‑site presence flexing to meet programme needs.
Responsibilities
* Design, develop and verify FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat‑air systems.
* Work on modern FPGA platforms supporting:
o High‑speed data movement and sensor interfaces
o Deterministic, low‑latency processing chains
o Embedded processing using SoC devices and soft‑core processors
* Support the delivery of FPGA solutions enabling advanced signal processing, control and real‑time data handling.
* Translate system‑level requirements into robust FPGA architectures and implementations.
* Implement, simulate and verify designs using structured FPGA development and verification methodologies.
* Support integration, bring‑up and debug of FPGA designs within complex hardware platforms in advanced electronics laboratories.
* Collaborate closely with hardware, systems and software teams to deliver fully integrated EW and FCA system solutions.
* Participate in design and technical reviews, and where required, support activity across UK sites or customer locations.
How this role grows with you
This is a role where progression comes through technical depth and delivery, not job titles alone. Initially, you’ll focus on building confidence developing and verifying FPGA designs while contributing meaningfully to EW and FCA programmes. As experience grows, you’ll take ownership of larger FPGA features or processing chains, influencing architectural and implementation decisions. With proven delivery and judgement, progression leads naturally to Senior and Principal FPGA roles, where you shape FPGA strategy, mentor others and influence system‑level solutions. Growth is driven by technical authority, problem‑solving and trust earned through programme delivery.
What you’ll bring
Essential experience and knowledge:
* HNC/HND or degree‑level knowledge in a relevant discipline (e.g. Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or similar), or equivalent practical experience.
* Experience working within a structured engineering development lifecycle.
* Exposure to digital systems, programmable logic, or hardware‑proximate development.
* Awareness of high‑speed interfaces and digital design concepts (e.g. Ethernet, PCIe, JESD, LVDS).
* Hands‑on experience supporting system‑level debug and test, using appropriate electronics tools.
Useful (but not required):
* Prior FPGA or HDL development experience.
* Experience with embedded processing, SoC‑based designs or real‑time systems.
* Background in defence, aerospace or other high‑reliability industries, where performance and robustness are critical.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply; this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting.
Benefits
* Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Employer‑contributed pension scheme with up to 15% contribution.
* Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
* Eligibility for bonus scheme at management level and below.
* Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Referral programme offers a financial reward.
* Flexibility to spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities please discuss possibilities for this role.
Diversity & Accessibility
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. Our workforce is diverse, inclusive, and we support accessibility requirements throughout the recruitment process.
Location and Working Conditions
* Primary Location: Luton, Cap. Green 300, GB.
* Contract Type: Permanent.
* Hybrid Working: Hybrid.
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