Graduate FPGA/Firmware Engineer

Leonardo is seeking graduates to join their Graduate Scheme, offering opportunities to work on real-world projects and contribute to innovation, technology advancement, and global safety. The 18-month programme provides development opportunities in virtual and applied working environments, with coaching and support to achieve objectives and personal development goals. The company is committed to developing graduates into leading technical professionals and supports chartership.

What You'll Do

• Engage in challenging project work and deliver innovative business or technical solutions as part of a team of subject matter experts.
• Spend at least three or four days each week on site in Edinburgh or Newcastle.
• Gain experience across the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration, applied research, and testing.
• Liaise with engineers from other disciplines (Systems, Software, Mechanical) and potentially interface with customers and end users.
• Design, develop, and verify firmware and digital systems using FPGAs for advanced electronic systems.
• Collaborate on the development of high-performance digital signal processing solutions and real-time systems for avionic sensor systems.
• Write efficient, reliable, and maintainable code using hardware description languages (HDLs) such as VHDL.
• Gain experience in simulation, debugging, and testing designs in laboratory environments.
• Optimise firmware designs to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Design, implement, and verify FPGA firmware for complex embedded systems, ensuring adherence to performance and safety requirements.
• Document and present design solutions and progress to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Software, Electronics, and Systems engineers for smooth integration of firmware components.
• Develop test plans and simulation environments to verify designs meet functional and timing requirements.
• Contribute to technical reviews, potentially travelling across the UK or abroad.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for hardware design processes and methodologies.

What You'll Bring

• Enthusiasm for FPGA design and eagerness to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Minimum of a 2:2 Bachelor’s Integrated Master’s degree, or higher degree (MSc or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or a related discipline.
• Preferred degrees include: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Information and Communication Engineering, Computer Communication and Networks, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Communications Engineering.
• A strong interest in Firmware and FPGA development. Basic familiarity with hardware description languages (HDLs) such as VHDL is desirable but not required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a desire to work collaboratively.
• A proactive approach to learning new technologies.

Security Clearance

• Roles are subject to security and export control restrictions.
• Successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration, and employment/education history verification for the previous five years.
• Additional National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply for more sensitive posts.
• Eligibility for NSV at SC level generally requires continuous UK residency for the previous five years; for DV clearance, typically ten years.

Benefits

• Starting salary of £34,000 per annum.
• £1,000 welcome bonus.
• £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme.
• Potential Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA).
• Generous leave, with up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks.
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme.
• Annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, etc.).

Application Information

• Apply now to start your career.