Principal Firmware Engineer (FPGA)

Important: All applicants must be eligible for security clearance. Working: The role offers flexible & hybrid working. It would be beneficial to be on-site 3 days a week. The Opportunity: Are you an experienced Firmware Engineer ready to take on complex, high-impact projects in a cutting-edge engineering environment? This is an opportunity to step into a role where your expertise will shape advanced systems and drive innovation across the full development lifecycle. You'll work on sophisticated, safety-critical programmes, contributing to both existing platforms and next-generation technologies. This role offers the chance to operate at a strategic level whilst remaining hands-on with design, verification, and technical leadership. The Company: Consistently recognised for ethics, veteran support, early‑career development, and innovation, while delivering some of the most trusted programmes in aerospace and national security. Chosen for some of the most complex, single‑award defence programmes, showing clear evidence of proven delivery, technical depth, and trusted security expertise. Role Responsibilities: Leading firmware development and verification activities, primarily using VHDL Driving design excellence through end-to-end lifecycle involvement, from concept through to delivery Leading internal and external design reviews, ensuring quality, compliance, and best practice Contributing to system architecture decisions, where firmware plays a critical role Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex engineering solutions Applying and supporting compliance with relevant standards, including RTCA/DO-254 Experience needed: Degree‑level education in Electronics Engineering or equivalent experience. Strong experience in FPGA design and implementation for complex systems Proven expertise in VHDL development and verification methodologies Hands-on experience with Xilinx (Vivado) and ideally Microsemi (Libero) toolsets Solid understanding of simulation, test benches, and verification strategies Experience working with 3rd party IP cores Familiarity with requirements capture, estimation, and work package definition Exposure to DO-254 or similar regulated development environments (desirable) Knowledge of video processing/interfaces is a plus Even If you feel like you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to reach out and apply