> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2808182-vhdl-fpga-firmware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2808182-vhdl-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).

---

# VHDL FPGA Firmware Engineer

- **Company:** Leonardo
- **Location:** Southampton, UK
- **Salary:** £38,000.0 - £53,000.0
- **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:** September 9, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2856358054-vhdl-fpga-firmware-engineer

## 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., * Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
 * Engineering experience with radio-based communication systems.
 * Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team.

## Description

This FPGA Firmware Engineer vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop their skills and knowledge within a thriving electronics organisation.

In this broad VHDL 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 either Southampton or Bristol with a primary focus on the design and development of embedded VHDL firmware for complex aircraft sensor and communication systems.

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

- [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine)
- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone)
- [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)
- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [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

- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [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)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)