Skills

Communication Configuration Management Test Linux VHDL

Job Specifications

Role Overview

The Senior / Principal Firmware Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and verification of FPGA firmware using VHDL, with additional verification tasks in VHDL or SystemVerilog.

Key Responsibilities

The engineer will collaborate closely with Systems, Hardware, and Software teams to deliver robust firmware solutions and resolve integration challenges within complex systems.

Responsibilities include:

Designing and implementing innovative, reliable VHDL-based firmware solutions
Documenting and maintaining detailed design deliverables
Verifying firmware designs using simulation and test methodologies
Managing configuration control and maintaining version traceability
Providing progress updates and supporting project reporting activities

Essential Skills and Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ experience developing firmware using VHDL or Verilog
Proficiency with FPGA development tools such as HDL Designer, ModelSim/Questa, and Precision
Familiarity with FPGA toolchains from Xilinx, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi (Actel)
Ability to interpret system or hardware-level requirements and derive detailed firmware specifications
Strong debugging skills for firmware and integration at both hardware and system levels
Understanding of firmware configuration management and revision control practices
Ability to coordinate day-to-day technical tasks, collaborating effectively with engineering leads and cross-discipline teams
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with Linux environments and scripting languages
Proficiency in producing technical documentation and reports

Desirable Skills and Experience

Experience developing real-time or safety-critical firmware, ideally to RTCA/DO-254 DAL A or B standards
Familiarity with requirements capture and management tools
Prior experience in Aerospace, Defence, or similar high-reliability industries
Knowledge of embedded processor cores (e.g. ARM) within FPGA designs
Experience with independent verification using VHDL or SystemVerilog/UVM
Awareness of modern FPGA device families and architectures
Understanding of high-speed serial communication protocols and implementation techniques

Qualifications and Security Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering or a related STEM discipline
UK citizenship is required to obtain security clearance (SC)
Existing SC clearance is advantageous

About the Company

Sanderson Government & Defence was established over 20 years ago as a bespoke solution to a unique talent problem: sourcing and placing high-calibre professional talent to work within the UK government and defence sector. MISSION We provide talent solutions for the UK government and their critical supply chains, including: Ministry of Defence and areas of National Security; Central Government and Arm’s Length Bodies; National Policing and Justice; and the broader Public Sector. EXPERTISE & SKILL Central to our success has b... Know more