Overview
Firmware Engineer role in the Defence sector with the Scotland team. Based in Glasgow with potential infrequent travel to additional sites. On-site requirement: 3-5 times per week depending on work level. Must have full right to work in the UK and be eligible for or already hold SC clearance. Experience level: Mid-Level to Senior due to the complexity of work.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement VHDL-based FPGA firmware for high-reliability embedded systems.
- Conduct firmware architecture design, coding, simulation, and testing in accordance with engineering and quality standards.
- Collaborate with Hardware, Systems, and Software Engineers to ensure seamless integration of FPGA solutions into broader system architectures.
- Perform timing analysis, verification, and validation of FPGA designs using simulation tools and test benches.
- Support system reviews, documentation, and configuration management throughout the full development lifecycle.
- Provide technical input and mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring adherence to design standards and best practices.
Qualifications
Required Skills/Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent military experience.
- 5+ years’ experience in Firmware or FPGA Design within the Defence, Aerospace, or Safety-Critical Systems domains.
- Proven expertise in FPGA development, including VHDL coding, synthesis, timing closure, and simulation.
- Proficiency with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Mentor ModelSim.
- Experience across the full firmware lifecycle — from requirements capture through to design validation and verification.
- Strong understanding of embedded systems, digital design principles, and hardware-software integration.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
Desirable Skills
- Familiarity with DO-254 or other safety-critical design standards.
- Experience with Defence or Aerospace-grade hardware development.
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or TCL for automation.
- Exposure to Configuration Management Tools (e.g. Git, SVN).
Additional Information
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
Employee Value
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
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