Senior Digital Firmware Engineer

Job Overview

The Senior Digital Engineer is responsible for the development, integration, production support and maintenance of firmware in aerospace and defence systems and subsystems. The role leads FPGA designs from concept to implementation, and works closely with the PCB, E-CAD and Software teams. It reports to the Manager, Electronic Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement VHDL firmware for FPGA and SoC devices, and optimise firmware to fit CPLD devices such as the Max10.
• Lead the full life-cycle development of FPGA designs, from concept to implementation, in compliance with RTCA DO-254 where applicable.
• Create fully automated test benches to verify firmware designs.
• Debug and test FPGA and SoC systems, resolving digital and analogue issues at PCB assembly level.
• Support the E-CAD team in the design and review of FPGA-based digital circuits, ensuring firmware integrates smoothly with the PCB layout.
• Write embedded C code to interface firmware with software on SoC systems, and develop board support packages.
• Write and maintain firmware requirements, design descriptions and test documents in line with military and industry standards, including DO-178 where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5-8 years’ hands-on experience in FPGA firmware development with FPGA and SoC devices, preferably in a high-technology defence environment.
• Strong proficiency in VHDL.
• Extensive experience with Intel Altera and/or AMD Xilinx FPGAs (e.g., Cyclone, Zynq 7000) and CPLD devices (e.g., Max10).
• Experience with embedded C programming for SoC systems.
• Knowledge of digital and analogue circuit design, with the ability to debug PCB assemblies.
• Familiarity with DO-254 and DO-178 standards.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and documentation skills, with the ability to work in a cross-functional team.

Preferred: Experience with Vivado, Quartus II, HDL Designer, Altium Designer, Eclipse, Git and ModelSim/Questa, plus relevant courses or certifications (FPGA development, embedded systems, DO-254, DO-178).