FPGA Design Engineer Academy

Job Description:

Your Impact:

What does it take to make complex EW and Future Combat Air systems react in real time under extreme conditions
At Leonardo its the FPGA logic at the heart of those systems that makes the difference. As an FPGA Design Engineer working on our EW and FCA programmes youll help develop the programmable logic that enables highspeed sensing signal processing and decision making in mission critical environments. Based primarily in Luton this role combines real programme delivery with access to a structured FPGA Academy allowing capable engineers to deepen and accelerate their FPGA expertise while contributing to live EW and combatair systems.

Hybrid working is supported with onsite presence flexing to meet programme needs.

What you will do as an FPGA Design Engineer on EW and FCA programmes:

• Design develop and verify FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combatair systems.
• Work on modern FPGA platforms supporting:
  • Highspeed data movement and sensor interfaces
  • Deterministic low latency processing chains
  • Embedded processing using SoC devices and softcore processors
• Support the delivery of FPGA solutions enabling advanced signal processing control and realtime data handling.
• Translate system level requirements into robust FPGA architectures and implementations.
• Implement simulate and verify designs using structured FPGA development and verification methodologies.
• Support integration bringup and debug of FPGA designs within complex hardware platforms in advanced electronics laboratories.
• Collaborate closely with hardware systems and software teams to deliver fully integrated EW and FCA system solutions.
• Participate in design and technical reviews and where required support activity across UK sites or customer locations.

Alongside project delivery youll be supported by a structured FPGA Academy with training modules aligned to both your existing background and the needs of the EW and FCA programmes youre supporting.

How this role grows with you

This is a role where progression comes through technical depth and delivery not job titles alone.

• Initially youll focus on building confidence developing and verifying FPGA designs while contributing meaningfully to EW and FCA programmes.
• As experience grows youll take ownership of larger FPGA features or processing chains influencing architectural and implementation decisions.
• With proven delivery and judgement progression leads naturally to Senior and Principal FPGA roles where you shape FPGA strategy mentor others and influence system level solutions.
• Growth is driven by technical authority problem solving and trust earned through programme delivery.

What youll bring

This role is suited to engineers with a strong technical foundation who want to build depth and confidence in FPGA development within complex system environments.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• HNC/HND or degree level knowledge in a relevant discipline (e.g. Electronic Engineering Computer Science Physics or similar) or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working within a structured engineering development lifecycle.
• Exposure to digital systems programmable logic or hardwareproximate development.
• Awareness of highspeed interfaces and digital design concepts (e.g. Ethernet PCIe JESD LVDS).
• Handson experience supporting system level debug and test using appropriate electronics tools.

Useful (but not required):

• Prior FPGA or HDL development experience.
• Experience with embedded processing SoCbased designs or realtime systems.
• Background in defence aerospace or other high reliability industries where performance and robustness are critical.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Governments 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: join us

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 worklife balance. Whether youre looking to grow professionally care for your health or plan for the future were here to help you thrive.

• 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 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters:
  
  Free access to mental health support financial advice and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable Pride Equalise Armed Forces Carers Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance:
  All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning:
  Free access to 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Refer a friend:
  
  Receive a financial reward through our…