> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1288759-missile-seeker-fpga-firmware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1288759-missile-seeker-fpga-firmware-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Missile Seeker FPGA Firmware Engineer - **Company:** Leonardo - **Location:** Basildon, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software Debugging, Embedded Software, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Description Language, SystemVerilog, Systems Integration, VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL), Fpga Hardware, ModelSim - **Published:** July 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/apply/ats-redirect/?id=2875341394-2 ## About the Role * Experience using FPGA technologies especially from either Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools. * Advanced verification techniques using either VHDL or System Verilog / UVM. * Specifying complex timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route. * Ability to analyse system level requirements and derive detailed Firmware requirements. * A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured firmware process such as RTCA DO-254 or similar. * Experience of working on safety related firmware to IEC 61508 would be advantageous. * De-bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers. * Making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for Firmware design activities. * Ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines both verbally and in written form. * Familiarity with Siemens EDA FPGA development tools including HDL Designer and ModelSim / Questa is an advantage. It would be nice if you had: * Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints * Engineering experience with electro-optic systems - e.g. cameras, thermal imagers and/or image processing systems/algorithms. * Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team. ## Description At Leonardo, we are excited to be recruiting for a skilled FPGA Engineer to work within a multi-disciplinary team for our Precision Guidance area. In this broad FPGA firmware engineering role, you will work across a range of projects throughout various stages of the product lifecycle from initial concept development through to early life production. You will work with some of the latest high-speed FPGA's and System-on-Chips (SoC's) to help shape our future products. The role shall be based in Basildon with a primary focus on the design and development of embedded VHDL firmware for complex airborne electro-optics subsystems. You will be part of the Leonardo Airborne Communications product development group within the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business, interacting with partner organisations, sub-contractors and potential customers. What you will do: * Firmware requirements capture and management. * FPGA design and analysis. * Production of documentation for other engineers and evidence for design reviews. * Development of FPGA test and FPGA integration plans. * Perform system integration work with PCB designers and embedded software engineers. * Support all firmware designs through the company firmware process - training will be given. * Modification of existing firmware designs and test benches. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) - [When Agents Meet Legacy: Never Change a Running System](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100320-when-agents-meet-legacy-never-change-a-running-system) ## Related Articles - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)