FPGA Design Engineer Academy

• →Design, develop and verify FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat‑air systems.
• →Work on modern FPGA platforms supporting:
  • →High‑speed data movement and sensor interfaces
  • →Deterministic, low‑latency processing chains
  • →Embedded processing using SoC devices and soft‑core processors
• →Support the delivery of FPGA solutions enabling advanced signal processing, control and real‑time 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, bring‑up 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, you’ll 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 you’re supporting.

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

• Initially, you’ll focus on building confidence developing and verifying FPGA designs while contributing meaningfully to EW and FCA programmes.
• As experience grows, you’ll 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.

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 hardware‑proximate development.
• Awareness of high‑speed interfaces and digital design concepts (e.g. Ethernet, PCIe, JESD, LVDS).
• Hands‑on 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, SoC‑based designs or real‑time systems.
• Background in defence, aerospace or other high‑reliability industries, where performance and robustness are critical.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s 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: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting