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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
39
Salary range
£43k – £111k
Hiring companies
26
View 39 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.

  1. 01
    Design and implement logic circuits using HDLs (VHDL, Verilog).
  2. 02
    Simulate and verify FPGA designs to ensure they meet specifications.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate FPGA solutions.
  4. 04
    Optimise designs for performance, power consumption, and resource utilisation.
  5. 05
    Document design processes and test results for future reference.
  6. 06
    Participate in code reviews and design reviews with peers.
Salary on the board

£43k – £111k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 69 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
44% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
43
80
18 jobs
Senior
52
119
34 jobs
Lead
65
120
6 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 64 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

VHDL
83%
FPGA
83%
SystemVerilog
53%
Verilog
42%
Vivado
30%
DSP
30%
MATLAB
28%
Simulink
27%
Xilinx
25%
RFSoC
22%
Python
19%
Quartus
17%
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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Level 3

    Senior FPGA Engineer

    5–10 yrs

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

  4. 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. 1

    Learn HDLs

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

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

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

  3. 3

    Specialise in a Domain

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

  4. 4

    Lead Projects

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

  5. 5

    Influence Strategy

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

  6. 6

    Mentor and Teach

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

Live jobs

39 live roles

See all 39 roles →

FPGA Engineer

This role involves designing, developing, and verifying FPGA firmware for complex, safety-critical systems. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, lead design reviews, and contribute to technical strategy, with a focus on high-reliability solutions and best practices in firmware engineering.

Matchtech Hastings, East Sussex, United Kingdom £70,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

FPGA Engineer

The role involves developing and implementing FPGA firmware using VHDL/Verilog for advanced defence and security applications, from concept to delivery. You'll work within a multidisciplinary team on real-world systems, contributing to full lifecycle development of FPGA-based solutions in a technically challenging environment. The position requires strong digital design and signal processing expertise, with opportunities to engage in prototyping and system integration.

Tec Partners Recruitment Ltd Milton, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £60 – £80 ph
On-site Contract Clearance Required

FPGA Engineer

FPGA EngineerOnsite in Luton12 months£84.03 p/h UmbrellaAll candidates must be eligible to obtain SC ClearanceOur client, a prominent player in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a skilled FPGA Engineer for a contract position. This role is pivotal...

Matchtech Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom £80 – £84 ph

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer – Permanent – Full Time (Mostly Onsite)Salary: £42,000 - £52,000 DOELocation: Lincoln - Read on if you’re not localBenefits include: Relocation support is available.• 25 days annual leave (inclusive of December shutdown) • Buy or sell up to...

MASS North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom £42,500 – £52,500 pa

FPGA Engineer

This role involves designing and implementing FPGA-based solutions for high-speed digital systems, with a focus on Xilinx FPGAs and HDL languages such as VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog. The engineer will work on hardware test and debug using lab equipment, supporting project requirements in a hybrid setup based in Motherwell. Strong independent working skills are essential for the contract duration.

Avanti Recruitment Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 1RB, United Kingdom £55 – £60 ph
Hybrid Contract

FPGA Engineer

Design and develop FPGA-based systems using VHDL/Verilog, implementing real-time DSP algorithms and integrating high-speed digital interfaces such as ADC, DAC, and PCIe. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission-critical solutions in AI, cyber, and digital engineering. Work on complex, real-world projects involving digital communications, RF principles, and embedded software integration.

Copello Romsey, Hampshire, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

FPGA Engineer

FPGA EngineerLocation: Whitstable, KentJob Type: Full-time | PermanentSalary: Highly competitive, depending on experienceBenefits* Flexible working hours* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays* Company pension* Free on-site parking* Ongoing technical development* Genuine opportunity to influence product design* Small, highly skilled engineering...

Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants Whitstable, Kent, United Kingdom

FPGA Engineer

Design and develop high-speed FPGA and digital hardware systems, with a focus on hands-on lab work including testing, debugging, and hardware bring-up. Work independently within a small team to deliver robust solutions for specialist electronic systems.

Avanti Recruitment Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 1RB, United Kingdom £55 – £60 ph
Hybrid Contract
See all 39 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.

Cambridge

Location
9 open

Southampton

Location
3 open

Oxford

Location
3 open

London

Location
1 open
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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