VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer

Your Impact

This FPGA Firmware Engineer vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop their skills and knowledge within a thriving electronics organisation.

In this broad VHDL firmware engineering role, you will work across a range of projects throughout various stages of the product lifecycle from initial concept development through to early life production. You will work with some of the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System‑on‑Chip (SoC) solutions to help shape our future products. The role shall be based in either Southampton or Bristol with a primary focus on the design and development of embedded VHDL firmware for complex aircraft sensor and communication systems.

You will be part of the Leonardo Airborne Communications product development group within the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business, interacting with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers.

• Firmware requirements capture and management.
• FPGA design and analysis.
• Production of documentation for other engineers and evidence for design reviews.
• Development of FPGA test and integration plans.
• Perform system integration work with PCB designers and embedded software engineers.
• Support all firmware designs through the company firmware process – training will be given.
• Modification of existing firmware designs and test benches.

• Experience using FPGA technologies, especially from Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools.
• Advanced verification techniques using VHDL or System Verilog/UVM.
• Specifying complex timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route.
• Ability to analyse system‑level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements.
• A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured firmware process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar.
• Experience working on safety‑related firmware to IEC 61508 would be advantageous.
• De‑bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside software and hardware engineers.
• Making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for firmware design activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines, both verbally and in written form.
• Familiarity with Siemens EDA FPGA development tools, including HDL Designer and Model Sim/Questa, is an advantage.

• Awareness of safety, security and other legislative constraints.
• Engineering experience with radio‑based communication systems.
• Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. 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.

• Time to Recharge – generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future – benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• 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 Linked In Learning.
• Refer a Friend – receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks – spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible…