FPGA Engineer – Precision Guidance – Basildon – Defence/Aerospace
We are seeking a skilled FPGA Engineer to join a multi‑disciplinary team working in the Precision Guidance domain for advanced airborne electro‑optics subsystems.
In this broad firmware role, you’ll be involved across the product lifecycle – from initial concept through to early life production – working with the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System-on-Chips (SoCs) to help shape next‑generation products.
Location: Basildon
Role Type: Initial 6 months Contract (Inside of scope)
Discipline: FPGA / Firmware Engineering – Airborne Electro‑Optics
Role Overview – What You’ll Do
- Capture and manage firmware requirements
- FPGA design and analysis for complex airborne electro‑optics subsystems
- Produce high‑quality documentation to support other engineers and design reviews
- Develop FPGA test and FPGA integration plans
- Perform system integration alongside PCB designers and embedded software engineers
- Support all firmware designs through a structured firmware design process (training provided)
- Modify and enhance existing firmware designs and associated test benches
- Interact with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers within a broader sensor product development environment
Essential Skills & Experience
- Hands‑on experience with FPGA technologies from one or more of: Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel), Lattice, and associated toolchains
- Strong verification skills using VHDL and/or SystemVerilog / UVM
- Ability to specify complex timing and area constraints for efficient place and route
- Capability to analyse system‑level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements
- A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar
- Experience debugging firmware and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers
- Ability to make sound technical decisions and mitigate technical risk in firmware activities
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines
Desirable:
- Experience with safety‑related firmware to IEC 61508
- Familiarity with Siemens EDA tools (e.g. HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa)
- Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
- Engineering experience with electro‑optic systems (e.g. cameras, thermal imagers, image processing systems/algorithms)
- Experience mentoring more junior engineers
This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting‑edge precision guidance and electro‑optic technologies within a high‑calibre engineering environment.
If you have strong FPGA/firmware experience and are looking for your next role in Basildon, please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.