VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer

Job Description

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity. Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.

Leonardo offers an additional allowance for some roles – for more information please contact

Engineer: £38k - £53k

Senior: £45k - £61k

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 FPGA’s and System‑on‑Chips (SoC’s) 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 FPGA 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 either Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools.
• Advanced verification techniques using either 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 of 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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

• Time to Recharge – enjoy 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 a 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance –…