Engineers who design and optimise the logic and functionality of FPGAs. A critical role in the semiconductor industry, bridging hardware and software.
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.
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.
Based on advertised midpoints across the 108 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.
% of 107 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.
A typical UK progression for fpga engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.
Assists in the design and testing of FPGA circuits, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.
Takes ownership of FPGA design projects, from initial concept to final testing, and collaborates with cross-functional teams.
Leads complex FPGA design projects, mentors junior engineers, and contributes to the overall architecture of systems.
Drives innovation in FPGA design, influences company strategy, and acts as a technical authority in the field.
There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.
Start by mastering Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like VHDL and Verilog, which are essential for FPGA design.
Work on real-world projects to gain hands-on experience in FPGA design, simulation, and testing.
Choose a specific domain, such as digital signal processing or embedded systems, to deepen your expertise.
Take on leadership roles in FPGA design projects, managing teams and ensuring project success.
Contribute to the strategic direction of your organisation by providing technical insights and innovation.
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the professional community.
Pure Resourcing Solutions Heathfield, Cambridgeshire £65,000 – £500,000 pa
Develops FPGA IP and delivers projects end to end, from concept and architecture through validation and ongoing support. Day-to-day work targets AMD (Xilinx) silicon, often Zynq SoC devices, with a firm requirement for digital signal processing and close collaboration with hardware, software and systems engineers. RF systems experience is a bonus, and there is scope to lead and mentor junior colleagues.
MASS Lincoln £42,500 – £52,500 pa
This role involves designing, developing, and testing FPGA-based systems for real-time signal processing applications, particularly in the domain of electronic warfare. You will work with RFSoC and FPGA platforms, integrating high-speed ADC/DAC interfaces, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust technical solutions.
SoCode Cambridge £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Design and implement FPGA logic using VHDL for Xilinx Artix-7 FPGAs, focusing on controller boards with embedded interfaces like I²C and SPI. Responsibilities include state machine design, test bench development, hardware validation in the lab with logic analysers and oscilloscopes, and ensuring timing closure. Work spans the full development lifecycle from specification to integration, with strong emphasis on synchronous design, CDC analysis, and version-controlled documentation.
Matchtech Stevenage £85 – £90 ph
Design and verify complex FPGA architectures for defence and security systems, working across the full lifecycle with VHDL, Simulink and SystemVerilog/UVM testbenches. Targets Xilinx, Intel and Microsemi devices, using QuestaSim/ModelSim and low-level C for embedded integration within a multidisciplinary team.
Copello Bristol £80,000 – £900,000 pa
Take technical ownership of FPGA and programmable logic design for advanced gimbal payload systems, covering video capture and processing, sensor and high-speed serial interfaces, and real-time pointing and stabilisation control. Lead RTL design, verification, synthesis and hardware bring-up, taking in-house boards from prototype to qualified production while mentoring other engineers.
Matchtech Farnborough
End-to-end FPGA engineering role covering requirements, architecture, implementation, verification and system-level test for secure digital design products. You'll lead FPGA delivery into production, develop testbenches, manage external IP suppliers, and coordinate other engineers within a multi-disciplinary team. Hybrid working, four days onsite in Farnborough, in a UK SC-cleared environment.
Anonymous London
Develops FPGA-based digital control hardware for next-generation photonic quantum computing systems, covering architecture, RTL design, simulation, synthesis, timing analysis and verification. Works in a multidisciplinary R&D team with electronics engineers, physicists and software developers on high-speed, low-latency control and signal processing, including ADC/DAC interfacing and hardware bring-up.
Holt Executive Farnborough
A fantastic opportunity has opened for an experienced FPGA Engineer to join a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary engineering team working on innovative cyber and information assurance technologies. You’ll contribute to the design, development, and testing of secure digital solutions used across critical...
The locations with the most live listings for this role today.
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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