High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer – Outside IR35 Contract
Hybrid (basingstoke & Remote) | 12-Month Initial Contract | Competitive Rate
About the Role
We're partnering with a cutting-edge satellite communications company developing next-generation advanced terminals. This is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled
High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer
to join a dynamic team working on mission-critical SATCOM platforms that blend digital, RF, and embedded systems.
You will be deeply involved in designing and validating complex hardware solutions, including high-speed PCB and FPGA design, signal integrity analysis, and system bring-up—all within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design and development of
high-speed digital PCBs
featuring advanced FPGAs, microprocessors, and SerDes interfaces such as
JESD204B/C
,
PCIe
, and
10/25/100 Gb Ethernet
.
* Perform comprehensive
signal integrity (SI)
and
power integrity (PI)
analysis to ensure robustness and reliability under demanding operational conditions.
* Collaborate closely with RF engineers and firmware developers to deliver integrated solutions for advanced phased array and satellite communication systems.
* Drive hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation using high-speed test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and vector network analyzers.
* Support full product lifecycle phases from concept and design through to integration, test, and customer trials.
* Prepare and review detailed technical documentation, ensuring compliance with industry and customer standards.
* Engage with cross-functional teams including mechanical, firmware, and software engineering to optimise system design for manufacturability, cost, and performance.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Extensive FPGA design experience with platforms such as
Xilinx
,
Intel (Altera)
, or
Microsemi Smartfusion
.
* Proven expertise in
high-speed SerDes interfaces
(PCIe, JESD204B/C, Ethernet) and related protocols.
* Strong
PCB schematic capture and layout skills
, ideally using
Altium Designer
or similar tools.
* Demonstrated ability in
signal and power integrity simulation and analysis
using tools like HyperLynx or equivalent.
* Hands-on experience with lab-based debugging and validation of complex digital hardware.
* Proficient in embedded programming (C/C++) and FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog).
* Familiarity with aerospace/defence standards and working under stringent quality and environmental requirements.
* Good understanding of communication protocols such as USB, I2C, SPI, RS485, RS232, Ethernet.
* Eligibility for SC Clearance is an advantage.
Desirable Skills
* Experience working on
satellite communications
,
defence
, or
aerospace
projects.
* Knowledge of
RF co-design
principles and experience collaborating across RF/digital teams.
* Familiarity with regulatory design constraints including EMC/EMI, SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization.
* Experience with system requirements management tools such as DOORS.
* Exposure to high-reliability environments and standards such as DO-254, EN9100.
Qualifications
* Degree in
Electronic/Electrical Engineering
or closely related discipline.
* Strong multi-disciplinary engineering background, ideally with experience spanning digital, analogue, RF, firmware, and embedded software.
* Evidence of continuous professional development and training in relevant technologies.
Contract Details
* Duration:
12 months (with likely extension)
* Rate:
High Hourly (Outside IR35), overtime available
* Location:
Hybrid working model with onsite presence by Henley and remote working flexibility three days onsite and two remote but more flexibility can be offered with this on a case by case basis.
Why Join?
This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of satellite communication technology within a forward-thinking company. You will join a collaborative, multi-skilled engineering environment where your expertise will directly contribute to global, mission-critical systems.
Ready to take the next step in your engineering career?
Send your CV or contact us to learn more about this exciting opportunity.