Firmware Engineer

The opportunity

We are looking for a wide range of Firmware Engineers at various levels to join Leonardo in Edinburgh and Newcastle. Leonardo are a world-class defence technology company. We develop cutting edge Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Gripen fighter jets, as well as maritime and airborne surveillance systems. We are also investors in innovation, undertaking all our own research to fuel our future products.

We are recruiting talented, motivated engineers to join our growing Electronics team.

This is an exciting opportunity for you as an engineer to bring your skillset and knowledge to a fast paced, dynamic and forward-thinking working environment. You will be involved with FPGA firmware development across the Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business, working as part of a larger, multi-disciplinary team. The key duties of the role will be design and development of firmware designs, managing development activities through the project and engineering life cycles and delivering the final solution.

• Hardware requirements capture and management.
• Concept development for complex functions and systems.
• FPGA design and analysis.
• Production of material for design reviews.
• Development of test planning, integration and design verification.
• Ensure that all firmware designs follow the company firmware process.

You will ideally have experience in the following areas, depending on the level of role you are aiming for;

• Experience using FPGA technologies from either Xilinx, Intel (Altera) or Microsemi (Actel) and their tools.
• Experience in verification techniques using either VHDL or System Verilog / UVM.
• Experience in specifying 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 de‑bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Electronic Engineers.
• Degree (BSc, BEng, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferable) or related science (e.g. Physics).

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 10% 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, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle:
  Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training:
  Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive:
  You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus:
  Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

Leonardo is a global high‑tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe…