RC Fornax
Principal Firmware Engineer
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Job Title: Principal Firmware Engineer
Location: Luton (4 days a week on-site)
Contract Length: 12 Months (Highly likely for extension)
Rate: £80 - £90 per hour (Inside IR35)
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team delivering advanced digital and FPGA-based solutions for complex defence and aerospace systems. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will be responsible for the full firmware development lifecycle, from requirements capture and architecture definition through to design, verification, integration, and test.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement FPGA and firmware solutions for complex digital systems
- Derive detailed firmware requirements and architectures from system-level requirements
- Design, develop, and verify firmware using Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM methodologies
- Work with FPGA technologies including Xilinx 7 Series, UltraScale, Intel (Altera), and Microsemi devices
- Develop high-speed interface solutions including PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD
- Utilise MATLAB and Simulink for model-based design and auto-generated code development
- Support integration, verification, validation, and system-level testing activities
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Requirements
- Proven experience in FPGA/Firmware Engineering within aerospace, defence, or other highly regulated industries
- Strong expertise with Xilinx toolsets, TCL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM
- Experience working with Xilinx 7 Series, UltraScale, Intel (Altera), or Microsemi FPGA architectures
- Knowledge of high-speed communication interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and JESD
- Experience using MATLAB and Simulink for model-driven engineering
- Ability to derive firmware requirements and architectures from system requirements
- Understanding of structured firmware development methodologies, ideally DO-254
- HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent experience in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Physics, AI, Games Programming, or a related discipline
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Due to the nature of this programme, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years continuous UK residency and be eligible to obtain SC Security Clearance.
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