FPGA Engineer

Overview

FPGA Engineer – Cambridge | £70,000-£75,000

We're partnered with an engineering consultancy working on advanced electronics systems used in the Defence, Space, Security and Industrial sectors. This role joins an established FPGA team delivering project-based work.

• Develop FPGA solutions for customer-led programmes, with a strong emphasis on DSP-heavy implementations.
• Typical work includes:
  • Translating system-level requirements into FPGA architectures
  • Writing and reviewing HDL (primarily AMD/Xilinx, Vivado toolchain)
  • DSP implementation within FPGA (filtering, modulation, detection, signal conditioning)
  • Developing and refining Plextek IP and internal FPGA processes
  • Supporting proposal writing, technical scoping, and estimates
  • Working on radar, communications, video, and sensing systems
  • Collaboration with hardware, software, RF, and systems engineers
  • Most development targets AMD (Xilinx) devices, often Zynq So Cs

Depth of DSP knowledge within FPGA is the main selection factor. Candidates without hands-on DSP implementation experience will not progress.

• Strong FPGA development experience (HDL + simulation/test)
• Proven DSP implementation within FPGA
• Ability to break down system requirements into workable technical solutions
• Eligibility for UK Eyes / SC clearance

• Experience in radar, communications, video, or RF systems
• Consultancy or customer-facing engineering experience
• Comfort contributing to proposals and early-stage technical discussions

• Join a multidisciplinary consultancy team
• Work spans multiple programmes, not a single product
• Scope to influence technical direction, IP, and process
• Opportunity to mentor junior engineers

• Based just south of Cambridge, with road and rail access
• £70,000-£75,000
• Career progression shaped by project exposure rather than fixed ladders
• Support for professional development
• Social and collaborative engineering culture

• UK Eyes eligibility required
• SC clearance acceptable (can be held or obtained)