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 – £150k

Hiring companies

View 42 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 – £150k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 61 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Junior

1 job

Mid

19 jobs

Senior

150

29 jobs

Lead

130

3 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 51 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

VHDL

90%

FPGA

84%

SystemVerilog

51%

Verilog

41%

Simulink

29%

MATLAB

29%

Vivado

29%

RFSoC

27%

DSP

24%

Xilinx

22%

Quartus

20%

C/C++

20%

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

42 live roles

See all 42 roles →

FPGA Engineering Manager

As an FPGA Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of FPGA and digital design engineers, driving technical excellence and innovation in the development of cutting-edge FPGA-based solutions. Your responsibilities include mentoring the team, collaborating with other engineering disciplines, and ensuring project delivery on time and to high standards.

MBDA Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

FPGA Engineering Manager

BristolAre you an experiencedFPGA Engineering Manager, an inspirational Leader passionate about people who enjoys contributing to developing and enhancing future capabilities? Look no further! Join our ambitious FPGA Engineering Team at MBDA and be part of a company that is...

MBDA Filton, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Fpga Design Engineer

Design and develop high-performance FPGA architectures and RTL solutions for real-time systems, driving innovation from concept to implementation. Lead micro-architecture definition, optimisation, and verification while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to improving FPGA design methodologies in a technically demanding environment.

Platform Recruitment Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £100,000 – £150,000 pa

Hybrid Permanent

FPGA & DSP Engineer

Rewarding opportunity for an accomplished FPGA Design Engineer who also has good DSP skills to join the new FPGA team within a thriving Technical Consultancy; contributing to a range of projects including the very latest radar, communications and sensing applications.The...

Technical Futures Ltd Great Chesterford, Essex, United Kingdom £70,000 – £75,000 pa

FPGA Design Engineer

My client is a leading organisation in Secure communications and Data at Rest domain! They are expanding their UK team to support multiple Cyber and Information Assurance development projects. The company is seeking an experienced FPGA Design Engineer to join...

Matchtech Hampshire, United Kingdom

FPGA Design Engineer

Are you a FPGA Design Engineer seeking a challenging career move where you can contribute to the very latest imaging and augmented reality systems, designing and implementing FPGA based SoC systems? Hybrid working (up to 3 days per week from...

Technical Futures Ltd Waterbeach, United Kingdom

Staff FPGA Engineer

As a Staff FPGA Engineer, you will design and develop FPGA features for quantum control systems, working on RTL modules, real-time control logic, and high-speed signal processing. You will collaborate with a highly technical team to deliver best-in-class control systems for advanced quantum computing.

Oxford Ionics Oxford, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Senior FPGA Engineer

This role involves leading the On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) subsystem for satellite missions, from concept to launch. Responsibilities include managing system requirements, interfacing with other technical leads, and designing, implementing, and verifying FPGA solutions in VHDL. The position offers a unique opportunity to see your work in space within a rapid timescale.

Langham Recruitment Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

See all 42 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 – £150k

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

42 live roles

FPGA Engineering Manager

FPGA Engineering Manager

Fpga Design Engineer

FPGA & DSP Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

Staff FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer

Companies hiring fpga engineers

Where this role is hiring

Cambridge

Southampton

London

Edinburgh

Oxford

Common questions

Hiring fpga engineers?