Lead Firmware Engineer

hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional tech professionals for this role.

An opportunity has arisen within Leonardo Edinburgh for a Lead Firmware Engineer to work on the Global Combat Air System Programme (GCAP). Announced by the Prime Minister in December 2022, GCAP will deliver Tempest, the next generation fighter aircraft intended to replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet from 2035.

This exciting role will play a significant part in maturing and delivering a mission critical component that will be installed onto the GCAP core platform.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK.

If you have a proven track‑record and are passionate in what you do and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem solving, we would like to hear from you.

As a Lead Firmware Engineer, you will work with the support of experts in their field, using world‑class facilities to deliver Firmware for complex digital systems that meet challenging future customer requirements. Your role may even take you across the UK or abroad for technical reviews. You will use or develop team‑leading experience to support the delivery of work from several engineers.

Your expertise will also be key to enhance processes and ways of working across UK wide FPGA/Firmware delivery teams.

• Ability to analyse system level requirements and capture/derive detailed firmware requirements.
• Ability to prepare documentation for other engineers and design reviews.
• Experience in firmware design techniques and tools, from VHDL to place-and-route.
• Experience FPGA architectures such as system‑on‑chip (e.g. Xilinx Versal).
• Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience of working in mixed discipline teams.
• Degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or similar engineering/science course.
• Due to the nature of our work, any candidate must have 5 years UK residency and be capable of achieving full SC security clearance.

• Experience of auto-generated code using model driven engineering using MATLAB and Simulink tools.
• Experience of design tools such as Verilog, System Verilog and UVM.
• Experience with in the defence industry.

Personal attributes and values are just as important to us as technical ability, so we are looking for engineers with a willingness to learn, progress and develop through our devoted technical career path. If you are passionate in what you do and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem solving, we would like to hear from you.

Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK. For more information and guidance please visit

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working:
  Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us.
• Company funded flexible benefits:
  Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
• Pension:
  Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
• Wellbeing:
  Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable,…