What are the key skills for an FPGA Engineer?

Key skills include proficiency in HDLs (VHDL, Verilog), strong problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of digital logic and computer architecture.

What industries hire FPGA Engineers?

FPGA Engineers are in demand in industries such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, defence, and consumer electronics.

What is the typical career progression for an FPGA Engineer?

The typical career progression starts as a Junior FPGA Engineer, advances to FPGA Engineer, then Senior FPGA Engineer, and finally Principal FPGA Engineer.

What are the common tools used by FPGA Engineers?

Common tools include FPGA development software like Xilinx Vivado and Altera Quartus, as well as simulation tools like ModelSim and Cadence.

What is the salary range for FPGA Engineers?

For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page, which is updated with the latest data from live job listings.

FPGA Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design and optimise the logic and functionality of FPGAs. A critical role in the semiconductor industry, bridging hardware and software.

Open roles

Salary range

£30k – £140k

Hiring companies

View 56 live roles → Get an alert

FPGA Engineers play a vital role in the semiconductor industry, focusing on the design, development, and optimisation of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). These devices are essential for a wide range of applications, from telecommunications and automotive systems to aerospace and defence. FPGA Engineers work closely with hardware and software teams to create custom logic solutions that meet specific performance and efficiency requirements. They are often found in research-heavy startups, scaleups, and larger consultancies, where their expertise is crucial for developing cutting-edge technology.

What the role does

Inside the role of an FPGA Engineer

A typical week for an FPGA Engineer is a mix of design, simulation, and testing, with a strong focus on collaboration with cross-functional teams.

01

Design and implement logic circuits using HDLs (VHDL, Verilog).
02

Simulate and verify FPGA designs to ensure they meet specifications.
03

Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate FPGA solutions.
04

Optimise designs for performance, power consumption, and resource utilisation.
05

Document design processes and test results for future reference.
06

Participate in code reviews and design reviews with peers.

Salary on the board

£30k – £140k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 39 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Junior

1 job

Mid

9 jobs

Senior

140

19 jobs

Lead

130

3 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 24 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

VHDL

96%

FPGA

96%

SystemVerilog

75%

RFSoC

54%

Simulink

42%

MATLAB

38%

Vivado

38%

Intel FPGA

33%

Quartus

29%

C/C++

29%

MATLAB/Simulink HDL

29%

Signal Processing

25%

Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for fpga engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

Level 1

Junior FPGA Engineer

0–2 yrs

Assists in the design and testing of FPGA circuits, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.
Level 2

FPGA Engineer

2–5 yrs

Takes ownership of FPGA design projects, from initial concept to final testing, and collaborates with cross-functional teams.
Level 3

Senior FPGA Engineer

5–10 yrs

Leads complex FPGA design projects, mentors junior engineers, and contributes to the overall architecture of systems.
Level 4

Principal FPGA Engineer

10+ yrs

Drives innovation in FPGA design, influences company strategy, and acts as a technical authority in the field.

Pathway

How to become a FPGA Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

1

Learn HDLs

Start by mastering Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like VHDL and Verilog, which are essential for FPGA design.
2

Gain Practical Experience

Work on real-world projects to gain hands-on experience in FPGA design, simulation, and testing.
3

Specialise in a Domain

Choose a specific domain, such as digital signal processing or embedded systems, to deepen your expertise.
4

Lead Projects

Take on leadership roles in FPGA design projects, managing teams and ensuring project success.
5

Influence Strategy

Contribute to the strategic direction of your organisation by providing technical insights and innovation.
6

Mentor and Teach

Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the professional community.

Live jobs

56 live roles

See all 56 roles →

FPGA Engineer

The Senior FPGA Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define FPGA microarchitecture, implement RTL designs, and develop verification plans for high-speed interfaces in AI/ML and high-performance computing environments. The role involves working on cutting-edge technologies and contributing to the development of next-generation networking platforms.

Langham Recruitment Bunhill, London, United Kingdom £115,000 pa

Hybrid Permanent

FPGA Engineer

As an FPGA Engineer, you will develop high-speed network interfaces between xPUs and proprietary networks, focusing on microarchitecture definition, RTL implementation, and testing. You will work iteratively through prototypes to deliver production-grade solutions, prepare technical documentation, and collaborate with software teams. This role involves cutting-edge FPGA design for GPU/CPU interfacing and networking at 100Gbps and above, using advanced tools and technologies.

Advanced Technical Recruitment London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £100,000 pa

Hybrid Permanent Flexible

FPGA Engineer

A company with ambitious growth plans, set to double revenue, is looking for an FPGA Engineer to join its team. With a strong, supportive culture, employees stay long term and thrive in a collaborative environment. As a small but growing...

Enterprise Recruitment Berkshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa

On-site Permanent

FPGA Engineer

As an FPGA Engineer, you will work on real-time signal processing systems that support mission-critical capabilities in electromagnetic warfare. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers and domain specialists to design, develop, and test FPGA-based systems, integrating high-speed ADC/DAC interfaces and working with tools like VHDL, SystemVerilog, and MATLAB/Simulink.

MASS Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £42,500 – £52,500 pa

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

FPGA Engineer

As an FPGA Engineer, you will work on real-time signal processing systems that support mission-critical capabilities in electromagnetic warfare. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers and domain specialists, developing FPGA designs for RF signal processing applications and integrating high-speed ADC/DAC interfaces. This role offers exposure to how your work fits into the wider system architecture and its real-world impact.

MASS Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £42,500 – £52,500 pa

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer – £40k - £65k – semi remote - SloughHexwired Recruitment is recruiting for an expanding Electronics manufacturer based in Slough now seeking an FPGA Engineer to help deliver key projects for clients across a range of applications. You...

Hexwired Recruitment Limited Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £65,000 pa

FPGA Engineer

Job Title: FPGA EngineerLocation: Rochester, Kent, UKRole Type: PermanentSalary: £45,000 - £65,000 + BenefitsOur client, an established electronics engineering firm, require an experienced FPGA Engineer to join their multi-disciplined team in Rochester.You will be a member of a dedicated team...

Gold Group Borstal, Kent, United Kingdom £45,000 – £65,000 pa

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer - ConsultantLocation: Cambridge, England, United KingdomContract: PermanentSalary: Competitive + Excellent BenefitsJob Description:Electus Recruitment is seeking an FPGA Engineer – Consultant to join a dynamic SME that is part of a larger group of companies poised for significant growth....

Electus Recruitment Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

See all 56 roles →

Top hirers

Companies hiring fpga engineers

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

Key skills include proficiency in HDLs (VHDL, Verilog), strong problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of digital logic and computer architecture.
FPGA Engineers are in demand in industries such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, defence, and consumer electronics.
The typical career progression starts as a Junior FPGA Engineer, advances to FPGA Engineer, then Senior FPGA Engineer, and finally Principal FPGA Engineer.
Common tools include FPGA development software like Xilinx Vivado and Altera Quartus, as well as simulation tools like ModelSim and Cadence.
For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page, which is updated with the latest data from live job listings.

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FPGA Engineer Jobs

Inside the role of an FPGA Engineer

£30k – £140k

What hiring managers ask for

From Junior to Principal

Junior FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer

Principal FPGA Engineer

How to become a FPGA Engineer

Learn HDLs

Gain Practical Experience

Specialise in a Domain

Lead Projects

Influence Strategy

Mentor and Teach

56 live roles

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

Companies hiring fpga engineers

Where this role is hiring

Bristol

Cambridge

London

Luton

Cheltenham

Sheffield

Common questions

Hiring fpga engineers?