Senior Hardware Engineer - Digital (Contractor)

General Dynamics Missions System International
Hastings
1 year ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Support Engineer

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Guidance & Control Software Engineer

Senior RF Engineer

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Senior Engineering Surveyor

Company Description

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAVs. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Job Description

This role is for aSenior Hardware Digital Engineerwho is looking to apply their experience in a new and challenging environment, working across the full development life-cycle.

While primarily working on defence products and contracts, contractors with domain experience in adjacent areas are encouraged to apply for this role. You will bring your technical knowledge, decision making and interpersonal skills to achieve the project goals.

Tasks include:

  1. Analysis of customer requirements
  2. Create & modify electronic designs and architecture
  3. Use simulation tools to generate verification test benches
  4. Participate in design reviews
  5. Configuration control
  6. Hardware Integration

Qualifications

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate engineering and domain experience across a number of the aspects listed below:

  1. Digital Circuit Design - Proficiency in designing digital circuits, including logic gates, flip-flops and state machines
  2. FPGA and ASIC Design - Proficiency in designing and implementing FPGAs and ASICs.
  3. HDL Languages - Strong knowledge of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) such as VHDL and Verilog.
  4. Microprocessors and Microcontrollers - Experience with microprocessor and microcontroller architecture and programming.
  5. Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Familiarity with ADCs, DACs, and mixed-signal design.
  6. Hardware design and verification against an agreed set of requirements
  7. Good understanding of requirements capture, work package definition and effort estimation
  8. Create and modify analogue and digital hardware designs
  9. Module and System commissioning
  10. Support the manufacturing department during build and test
  11. Experience of implementing the development guidelines set out by RTCA/DO-254

Additional Information

General Dynamics Mission Systems utilises QDOS IR35 Status Review. The requirements of this contract have been evaluated asOutside IR35- Prior to the engagement start you will need to complete a status questionnaire in order to receive the finalised status determination.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.

We are open to this role being spent with time working fully in our offices in St Leonards-on-Sea or hybrid - typically 2 days working from home on a weekly basis (depending on the work tasks).

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many UAV Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UAV Job?

If you’re aiming for a role in the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry, it can feel like every job advert expects you to know a never-ending list of tools: flight control systems, autopilot frameworks, simulation platforms, sensor suites, communication stacks, mission planning software, GIS tools — and on it goes. With so many names and acronyms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and assume you must learn every tool under the sun before you’ll be taken seriously by employers. Here’s the honest truth most UAV hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can use the right tools to solve real UAV problems safely, reliably and in context. Tools matter — absolutely — but they always serve a purpose: solving problems, reducing risk, improving performance, or guiding safer operations. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know — it’s: which tools you should master, in what context, and why. This article breaks down what employers actually expect, which tools are essential, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look credible, confident and job-ready.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in UAV Job Applications (UK Guide)

Whether you’re aiming for roles in UAV design, robotics/controls engineering, autonomy & computer vision, flight test & certification, embedded systems, operations, ground control software, systems integration or regulatory compliance, the way you present yourself in an application can make or break your chances — and that often happens before the hiring manager reads past your first few lines. In the UK UAV/jobs market, recruiters and hiring managers scan applications rapidly. They look for relevant experience, measurable delivery, technical credibility, domain awareness and safety/regulatory understanding — often making a decision within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in UAV applications, why those signals matter, and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you get noticed — not filtered out.

The Skills Gap in UAV Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — commonly known as drones — are among the fastest-growing technologies globally. From infrastructure inspection and agriculture to emergency response, surveying, logistics and defence, UAVs are transforming how organisations gather data, deliver services and improve efficiency. In the UK, demand for UAV professionals is increasing rapidly. Yet despite a growing number of graduates with engineering, robotics or aerospace backgrounds, employers continue to report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not ready for real UAV jobs. This is not a reflection of intelligence or academic effort. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in the UAV sector. This article explores that gap in depth — what universities do well, where programmes fall short, why the divide exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the gap to build a successful career in UAVs.