Lead Firmware Engineer at Basildon, Essex

FPGA Engineer - Precision Guidance - Basildon - Defence/Aerospace

We are seeking a skilled FPGA Engineer to join a multi‑disciplinary team working in the Precision Guidance domain for advanced airborne electro‑optics subsystems.

In this broad firmware role, you'll be involved across the product lifecycle - from initial concept through to early life production - working with the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System-on-Chips (SoCs) to help shape next‑generation products.

Location: Basildon

Role Type: Initial 6 months Contract (Inside of scope)

Discipline: FPGA / Firmware Engineering - Airborne Electro‑Optics

Role Overview - What You'll Do

• Capture and manage firmware requirements
• FPGA design and analysis for complex airborne electro‑optics subsystems
• Produce high‑quality documentation to support other engineers and design reviews
• Develop FPGA test and FPGA integration plans
• Perform system integration alongside PCB designers and embedded software engineers
• Support all firmware designs through a structured firmware design process (training provided)
• Modify and enhance existing firmware designs and associated test benches
• Interact with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers within a broader sensor product development environment

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands‑on experience with FPGA technologies from one or more of: Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel), Lattice, and associated toolchains
• Strong verification skills using VHDL and/or SystemVerilog / UVM
• Ability to specify complex timing and area constraints for efficient place and route
• Capability to analyse system‑level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements
• A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar
• Experience debugging firmware and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers
• Ability to make sound technical decisions and mitigate technical risk in firmware activities
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines

Desirable:

• Experience with safety‑related firmware to IEC 61508
• Familiarity with Siemens EDA tools (e.g. HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa)
• Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
• Engineering experience with electro‑optic systems (e.g. cameras, thermal imagers, image processing systems/algorithms)
• Experience mentoring more junior engineers

This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting‑edge precision guidance and electro‑optic technologies within a high‑calibre engineering environment.

If you have strong FPGA/firmware experience and are looking for your next role in Basildon, please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.

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