Embedded Design Engineer - FPGA Academy

Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Are you looking for a change of role and are wondering if a move into FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) design might be for you? Leonardo provides a route to develop your existing skills in our on-site FPGA Academy, to allow you to become a full-time Senior FPGA / Firmware Engineer. You’ll then apply your talents to a range of cutting edge designs in our world class Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems (RATS) team.
The FPGA Academy is a 16‑week structured training and development programme designed for engineers with transferable technical skill sets (such as electronic engineering, embedded software, or systems engineering) who wish to transition into FPGA / Firmware Engineering.
The Academy provides focused technical training, mentored practical exercises, and hands‑on project work. On successful completion, engineers are deployed across a range of complex design projects, contributing to real systems alongside experienced FPGA and Electronics engineers.
As an FPGA Academy Engineer, you will re-skill into a FPGA / Firmware engineering role and apply your existing engineering and coding experience to the design, implementation, and verification of complex electronic systems. During the Academy, and following deployment, you will:
Undertake a structured 16‑week FPGA training programme combining:
Mentored design exercises
Online training material and self-led research
Apply systems thinking to hardware design challenges
Post training deployment into established engineering teams
Once you have completed the Academy, as a FPGA / Firmware Engineer, you will be responsible for (with support appropriate to your development stage):
FPGA design, implementation, and analysis
Production of material for design reviews
Development of test planning, integration, and design verification activities
A degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferred) or a related science (e.g. Coding experience, such as: Embedded C / C++, Python / scripting languages, Low‑level or real‑time software, algorithmic or systems‑level programming
Proven engineering problem‑solving experience, demonstrated through academic projects, industrial experience or personal / independent engineering work
Strong digital engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn quickly
Security Clearance
We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. GB - Edinburgh Contract Type:
Permanent Hybrid Working:
Hybrid