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 53 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 40 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Mid

11 jobs

Senior

140

19 jobs

Lead

130

3 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 16 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

VHDL

100%

SystemVerilog

100%

FPGA

94%

RFSoC

81%

Simulink

56%

MATLAB

50%

Intel FPGA

50%

Vivado

44%

Quartus

44%

C/C++

44%

MATLAB/Simulink HDL

44%

Signal Processing

38%

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

53 live roles

See all 53 roles →

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 develop, test, and integrate FPGA-based systems, focusing on RF signal processing and high-speed interfaces.

MASS Teversham, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £42,500 – £52,500 pa

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 Box Makers Yard, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £42,500 – £52,500 pa

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer with advanced knowledge of Xilinx FPGA devices and proficiency in VHDL will work across the full FPGA development lifecycle for an established Technology Company offering Hybrid working, a generous salary and great benefits package.The successful Senior FPGA...

Technical Futures Ltd Berkshire, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Senior FPGA Engineer

An FPGA Engineer position, based in Bristol has become available with a high-growth engineering company, transforming fibre-optic infrastructure into real-time sensing networks using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology.My client is recognised in the Sunday Times Top 100 Growth Companies (2023)...

Redline Group Pill, Somerset, TA24 6QL, United Kingdom

Senior / Principal FPGA Engineer

Senior / Principal FPGA EngineerEdinburgh, Luton, Bristol, Southampton (Hybrid, 2 days from home)circa £88 per hour + overtimeContract positionVirtual interviewMon–FriCertain Advantage is collaborating with a key client to recruit Senior / Principal FPGA Engineers who will be responsible for the...

Tatton Recruitment Portswood, Hampshire, United Kingdom £88 ph

FPGA Design Engineer

As an FPGA Design Engineer, you will work on generating complex FPGA architectures and design implementations using VHDL, Simulink, and other tools. You will verify FPGA designs, develop low-level software, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver projects in the Defence and Aerospace sector.

ARM Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £70 – £90 ph

On-site Contract Clearance Required

FPGA Design Engineer

This role involves working on complex FPGA projects, from advanced signal processing systems to safety-critical systems. Responsibilities include designing and verifying FPGA architectures, using VHDL and SystemVerilog, and working with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-standard projects.

Tatton Recruitment Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £90 ph

Hybrid Contract

FPGA Design Engineer

The role involves designing and verifying complex FPGA architectures and implementations, working with VHDL, Simulink, and various FPGA devices. Responsibilities include generating low-level software, configuring designs, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team on safety and security critical systems.

Morson Edge Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £80 – £90 ph

On-site Permanent

See all 53 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

53 live roles

FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer

Senior / Principal FPGA Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

Companies hiring fpga engineers

Where this role is hiring

Bristol

London

Luton

Cheltenham

Sheffield

Portsmouth

Common questions

Hiring fpga engineers?