Senior or Principal FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Leonardo SpA
Luton
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Principal Engineer, Arm On Arm

Senior Design Manager

Project Manager

Planned Works Surveyor

Technical Author

Philanthropy Key Relationships Manager

Job Description:

Would you like to deliver the complex Firmware that forms part of our self-protection systems installed on fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced FPGA/Firmware Engineer to join our growing Luton or Bristol based teams.

What you will do

As an FPGA/Firmware engineer, you will work with the support of experts in their field, using world-class facilities to deliver Firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements. Your role may even take you across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

What we need from you

What you really must have:

  1. Design tools such as Xilinx, TCL, Verilog, System Verilog and UVM
  2. FPGA architectures such as Xilinx 7, Xilinx UltraScale; Intel (Altera) or Microsemi (Actel).
  3. Fast interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD.
  4. Auto-generated code using model driven engineering using Matlab and Simulink tools.
  5. Derivation of detailed Firmware requirements and architecture from system requirements.
  6. A structured approach to firmware design (RTCA DO-254 or similar).
  7. Cryptography and anti-tamper techniques.
  8. Artificial Intelligence including machine learning and genetic algorithms.
  9. Electronics test methods and equipment.
  10. Good verbal and written communication skills.
  11. Working in mixed discipline teams.
  12. HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree (Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Games Programming, Physics, or Applied Physics) or you may just have lots of skills and experience gained through your hard work.
  13. Due to the nature of our work, any candidate must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of achieving full SC security clearance.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit:Security Vetting Clearance Levels

It would be nice if you had:

  1. Experience within the defence industry.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

  1. Flexible Working:Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us.
  2. Company funded flexible benefits:Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
  3. Holidays:25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
  4. Pension:Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
  5. Wellbeing:Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers).
  6. Lifestyle:Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
  7. Training:Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera.
  8. Referral Incentive:You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
  9. Bonus:Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below.

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people's full potential and drives innovation and creativity.

We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo's future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Primary Location:
GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:
Hybrid#J-18808-Ljbffr

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

Portfolio Projects That Get You Hired for UAV Jobs (With Real GitHub Examples)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are reshaping industries—from aerial mapping and agriculture to disaster response and commercial delivery. As drone technology evolves rapidly, employers in the UAV sector are hungry for professionals with proven hands-on skills—be that in flight control, software integration, sensor fusion, or mechanical design. But how do you demonstrate these skills effectively? A robust UAV portfolio can help you stand out in a competitive job market. In this guide, we’ll cover: Why a UAV portfolio is crucial for demonstrating your capabilities. Choosing or designing UAV projects aligned with different drone-related roles. Real GitHub examples showcasing best practices in flight software, hardware integration, and autonomous control. Actionable project ideas to boost your portfolio right away. Best methods for presenting your work—ensuring recruiters see your impact immediately. Finally, we’ll point you to how you can connect your portfolio to real job openings, starting with a reminder to upload your CV on UAVJobs.co.uk so that employers seeking drone talent can easily find you.

UAV Job Interview Warm‑Up: 30 Real Coding & System‑Design Questions

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—commonly referred to as drones—have rapidly transformed modern industries. From agriculture and mapping to logistics, search & rescue, and cinematography, UAVs are revolutionising how we capture data, transport goods, and assist in complex tasks. As UAV systems become more advanced, the demand for engineers, software developers, and flight control experts with deep UAV expertise continues to grow. If you’re exploring UAV job interviews, you can expect a blend of hardware, software, control theory, and safety-related questions. Whether you’re focusing on flight controller firmware, autopilot algorithms, computer vision, or fleet management, your interviewers want to see you can handle the intricacies of real-time control, sensor fusion, and robust design. This blog post covers 30 real coding & system-design questions you might encounter when interviewing for a UAV role—plus insights into why thorough interview prep matters. For the latest UAV opportunities in the UK, check out www.uavjobs.co.uk, a dedicated platform connecting drone professionals with innovative companies across multiple verticals. Let’s dive into the specific skill sets that UAV interviews test—and how you can showcase your capabilities to future employers.

Negotiating Your UAV Job Offer: Equity, Bonuses & Perks Explained

How to Secure a Compensation Package That Matches Your High-Flying Role in the UK’s Drone & UAV Industry Introduction Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly referred to as drones, have rapidly transitioned from niche military applications to a multibillion-pound commercial market. From aerial surveys in agriculture and construction to drone deliveries and advanced aerial photography, UAV technology is reshaping how businesses operate and solve problems. As a mid‑senior professional in the UAV sector—whether you specialise in flight control software, hardware design, mission planning, or regulatory compliance—your work is integral to driving innovation and safety in this fast-evolving field. Amid such high demand, employers aren’t just competing on salary. Compensation packages can include equity, milestone-based bonuses, and a variety of perks that enable you to stay at the cutting edge of UAV technology. Despite these opportunities, many professionals focus mainly on base pay when negotiating an offer, potentially missing out on significant added value. This guide explores how to negotiate a UAV job offer in the UK, diving into equity arrangements for emerging drone start-ups, performance bonuses tied to flight-testing or product launches, and perks that can support your ongoing development and well-being in this dynamic sector.