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Principal FPGA Engineer
Location: Crawley, Reading or Bristol – Hybrid
Thales is a global technology leader with over 83,000 employees across five continents. Our UK workforce of over 7,500 drives innovation in defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, shaping a trustworthy future. Thales partners with Government and international customers to deliver critical capabilities while delivering social impact through our technologies.
We are principal suppliers of UAS, EW (Electronic Warfare), and radar systems to the UK armed forces and global markets. Our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) UK team thrives in a complex product development environment, delivering advanced technologies such as:
- Digital Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM) – enables situational awareness and threat identification in high-noise electronic environments.
- Radar Electronic Countermeasures (RECM) – protects assets by disrupting adversarial threats and spoofing tactics.
About the Role
We’re expanding our ISR team because of recent programme awards in Electronic Warfare, and we’re recruiting a Principal FPGA Engineer.
This role requires experience in safety-critical firmware development, though prior military or aerospace defence experience is advantageous but optional. Success here will involve:
- Leading customers (external and internal) in firmware solutions.
- Holding responsibility for FPGA/Firmware development in complex systems.
- Balancing technical execution with stakeholder communication.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver firmware projects on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards.
- Lead firmware development, including:
- Design using Hardware Description Languages (HDLs).
- Verification via Hardware Verification Languages (HVLs) or hardware-description languages.
- Algorithm development (e.g., Matlab) for image/signal processing.
- Implement and enhance a culture of continuous improvement in firmware processes, including:
- process scripting, documentation, reporting, and automation.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (electrical, software, hardware engineers).
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Desired Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience
- A relevant degree (BEng, MEng, EngD, PhD, or equivalent).
- Chartered status (or pursuing eligibility, e.g., through membership of IET, IEEE, or other recognised engineering body).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Technical Expertise
- Firmware & FPGA Architecture leadership.
- Verification Methodology:
- System Verilog, SystemVerilog UVM (Universal Verification Methodology).
- VHDL, OSVVM/UVVM (Open Source/VHDL Verification Methodology).
- IBM Rational DOORS for requirements management.
- Simulation & Development:
- Mentor Graphics ModelSim/QuestSim for design simulation.
- Axis-compatible design techniques, VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog for implementation.
- High-performance digital design (PCIe, Ethernet, serial protocols, AXI4).
- Object-oriented design patterns and advanced algorithmic control.
- Matlab for algorithm optimisation and prototyping.
Security Clearance
- SC level clearance is mandatory for this role.
- Ideally held at time of application, but not essential provided the applicant commits to gaining it.
- General eligibility: You must have either:
- Resided in the UK for 5+ years, or
- Recently 3+ years in the UK (with compensating checks) within the last 5 years.
- For further guidance, see the UK Security Vetting criteria.
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Your Career at Thales UK
Expand your horizons and specialise further:
- Personal development luck: Devote time to skill growth through oly training, mentorship, and coaching.
- Technical track or leadership: Transition vertically or horizontally within Europe or globally as you advance.
- Network and thrive in diverse, collaborative environments with top-tier engineering minds.
What We Can Offer
We’re committed to employee-centred growth, offering:
- Competitive compensation:
- market-leading bonuses, pension contributions (up to 14%), private health insurance.
- Career milestones:
- relocation assistance; progression-focused targets.
- Development frameworks:
- industry-leading training, job rotations, access to Thales’ vast global talent pool.
- Work-life benefits:
- buy/sell leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day.
- Stock purchase schemes, annual bonuses, and varied regional benefits.
Thales UK is EN’d externally. We prioritize equality and inclusion, ensuring fair opportunities and working conditions for all. Our employee networks, wellness programs, and progressive policies include:
- Global parent/child support resources.
- LGBTQ+ and disability protections.
- Ethnic minority and gender diversity initiatives.
Next Steps
This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to innovate, lead, and shape the future of defence and airborne reconnaissance technologies.
Discover other opportunities in our talent community (Join Here), or apply directly. Your journey starts here.
Join Thales UK—where bold visions become reality.
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