Principal Firmware (FPGA) Engineer

As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you’ll take ownership of FPGA-based design and development, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across systems, hardware, and software engineering. You’ll contribute across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to validation, helping ensure high-quality, reliable products.

In this role, you will:

• Design and develop firmware using Hardware Description Languages (VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog)
• Lead or contribute to firmware architecture and design decisions
• Verify and validate firmware using simulation and testbench environments
• Work closely with systems, hardware, and software engineers to deliver integrated solutions
• Support requirements definition, design reviews, and technical decision-making
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firmware processes (automation, documentation, scripting)
• Use industry-standard tools for FPGA and system-on-chip development
• Support integration activities, including occasional work at customer or test sites
• Deliver work to agreed time, cost, and quality standards We’re looking for a collaborative and proactive engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and can operate with a high level of autonomy. You’ll bring

Are you an experienced FPGA or firmware engineer looking to work on cutting-edge technology in defence, aerospace, and security?

Do you want to be part of a highly skilled team designing systems that make the world safer?, * Strong experience developing firmware for FPGA-based systems

• Expertise in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog
• Experience with simulation and verification tools (e.g. ModelSim, QuestaSim)
• Solid understanding of digital design and hardware/software integration
• Ability to contribute to or lead design and architecture activities
• Strong communication skills and experience working in multidisciplinary teams

• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance Nice to have:

• Experience in defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical industries
• Knowledge of protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, AXI
• Experience with verification methodologies (e.g. OSVVM, UVVM)
• Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, DOORS, or Linux environments
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading small teams

At Thales, we’re committed to helping you be your best. If you meet 70% or more of what we’re looking for, we encourage you to apply. We value potential as much as experience and offer opportunities to learn, grow, and develop your career in a supportive environment. You’ll benefit from world-class training, development opportunities, and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. You’ll also receive a package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Coaching, training, and ongoing career development
• Pension with employer contributions
• Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and early finish on Fridays Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. This includes providing evidence of identity, right to work in the UK, and employment/education history. Some roles may require additional vetting.