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.