Lead Firmware Engineer

FPGA Engineer - Precision Guidance - Basildon - Defence/Aerospace

We are seeking a skilled FPGA Engineer to join a multi‑disciplinary team working in the Precision Guidance domain for advanced airborne electro‑optics subsystems.

In this broad firmware role, you'll be involved across the product lifecycle - from initial concept through to early life production - working with the latest high‑speed FPGAs and System-on-Chips (SoCs) to help shape next‑generation products.

Location: Basildon

Role Type: Initial 6 months Contract (Inside of scope)

Discipline: FPGA / Firmware Engineering - Airborne Electro‑Optics

Role Overview - What You'll Do

Capture and manage firmware requirements

FPGA design and analysis for complex airborne electro‑optics subsystems

Produce high‑quality documentation to support other engineers and design reviews

Develop FPGA test and FPGA integration plans

Perform system integration alongside PCB designers and embedded software engineers

Support all firmware designs through a structured firmware design process (training provided)

Modify and enhance existing firmware designs and associated test benches

Interact with partner organisations, sub‑contractors and potential customers within a broader sensor product development environmentEssential Skills & Experience

Hands‑on experience with FPGA technologies from one or more of: Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel), Lattice, and associated toolchains

Strong verification skills using VHDL and/or SystemVerilog / UVM

Ability to specify complex timing and area constraints for efficient place and route

Capability to analyse system‑level requirements and derive detailed firmware requirements

A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured process such as RTCA DO‑254 or similar

Experience debugging firmware and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers

Ability to make sound technical decisions and mitigate technical risk in firmware activities

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplinesDesirable:

Experience with safety‑related firmware to IEC 61508

Familiarity with Siemens EDA tools (e.g. HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa)

Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints

Engineering experience with electro‑optic systems (e.g. cameras, thermal imagers, image processing systems/algorithms)

Experience mentoring more junior engineersThis is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting‑edge precision guidance and electro‑optic technologies within a high‑calibre engineering environment.

If you have strong FPGA/firmware experience and are looking for your next role in Basildon, please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited are proud founding members of Menopause in business, corperate members for Neurodiversity in business, Disability Confident committed members, Gold status for the Armed Forces Covenant, Bronze trail blazers for Racial Equality matters and Age Freindly Employer pledge members.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited group of companies includes Gi Recruitment Limited, Draefern Limited, Gi Group Recruitment Ltd, INTOO (UK) Limited, Marks Sattin (UK) Limited, TACK TMI UK Limited, Grafton Professional Staffing Limited, Encore Personnel Services, Gi Group Ireland Limited and Kelly Services (UK) Ltd. Gi Group Ireland Limited are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this role.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Gi Group Privacy Statement. To view a copy and to help you understand how we collect, use and process your personal data please visit the Privacy page on our Gi Group website