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Are you a Hardware Engineer working on defence products? I have some exciting CONTRACT opportunities for Digital Hardware engineers at various levels on cutting edge defence projects.

These roles are on a hybrid basis with 3 days from home and 2 days in the office per week.

The Senior / Principal Digital hardware engineer would be responsible for design, commissioning and test of high-speed digital electronics hardware, i.e. Printed Circuit Assemblies (PCA’s) on complex systems for airborne Radar products.

The successful candidate may be required to supervise other less experienced digital hardware engineers working on the same project.

The role will be based at our customer’s site in Edinburgh and may allow for hybrid working after an initial period of familiarisation onsite.

Job Responsibilities:

• Creating high-quality and robust digital electronics designs
• Documenting and recording deliverables 
• Supporting integration & verification activities at hardware and system level 
• Keeping designs under configuration control
• Providing progress reports 

Work Experience

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Electronics Engineering or other STEM-based subject
• Proven Expertise designing high-speed digital electronics using the latest FPGA and/ or microprocessor devices and high-speed interconnect technology
• Proficient in schematic capture using Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA) DxDesigner or similar tools
• Experience of high-speed serial communication interfaces/ protocols (e.g. PCIe, Ethernet/ IEEE802.3, SPI, I2C, etc.) and high-speed bus architectures (e.g. DDR3/4)
• Use of high-speed digital design techniques such as signal termination, controlled impedance, matched length tracking, ground/ power planes, decoupling, etc. 
• Functional simulation & timing analysis /constraints at circuit level
• Experience of PCB layout, working closely with and providing guidance to PCB layout engineers on high-speed digital designs
• Hands on experience of integrating hardware, firmware & software on FPGA and microprocessor-based PCA’s
• Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities, liaising closely with the lead engineer / digital hardware lead & other engineering disciplines
• Experience of liaising with Manufacturing / Production colleagues and external suppliers of key components and assemblies
• Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyse system requirements and derive detailed hardware requirements
• Experience of debugging & testing new hardware designs 
• Previous experience of the full hardware design lifecycle and presenting designs for peer and formal design reviews
• Self-motivated, with an aptitude to problem solve and drive difficult issues to conclusion
• Experience in writing technical reports / documentation

Desirable

• Relevant experience in the Aerospace/ Defence industry or on other complex/ high-reliability systems
• Experience of signal integrity & power integrity analysis at board level using Hyperlynx SI/PI or equivalent
• Knowledge of FPGA/ Software coding languages (VHDL, C, Assembler)
• Experience of hardware requirements capture, requirements management tools and formal verification of hardware requirements
• Experience of supervising other digital hardware engineers, planning and managing work for yourself and a small team 

Qualifications

• Honours or Masters degree in Electronics Engineering or related STEM subject 

Security

• Due to security requirements, these roles are open to SOLE UK NATIONALS ONLY

Holt Executive are partnered with a leading Global Satellite and Space leader that provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered voice and high-speed data communications solutions to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers worldwide. They are now developing a LEO constellation that will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise.
 
They require a Senior Systems Engineering Specialist – Communication Systems to play a crucial role in developing a revolutionary end-to-end satellite communication system. You’ll collaborate with experts across disciplines to design and define their system’s architecture.
 
Key Responsibilities for the Senior Systems Engineering Specialist – Communication Systems:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system architecture, system requirements, and network element specifications.
• Craft key aspects of the system, including communication protocols, resource allocation mechanisms, network entry mechanisms, management systems, and more.
• Lead and guide junior engineers, fostering their growth and expertise.
• Document the system architecture comprehensively for optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with the System Integration and Test team for seamless integration of all system elements.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to the system design and develop mitigation strategies to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Contribute innovative ideas and collaborate with external partners for project success.

Key Education & Experience for the Senior Systems Engineering Specialist – Communication Systems: 

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in satellite system architecture and design.
• Strong experience in Payload technology, and Radio Frequency (RF) engineering.
• Strong knowledge of satellite communication protocols, orbital mechanics, and space systems. Ideally with experience in software-defined satellite communication payloads.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies and space industry standards.
• Must be a US or Canadian Citizen.

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain Reliability Clearance.

This opportunity offers a hybrid work model with 4 days in the office per week and occasional travel is anticipated.
 
If your skills and experience match this Senior Systems Engineering Specialist – Communication Systems opportunity, we encourage you to apply now!

Our Client, a global leader in the defence industry has an exciting opportunity for a Lead FPGA design Engineer / Manager.

Role Overview:

The Lead FPGA Engineer would be responsible the success of the engineering activities within an Integrated FPGA Product Team or one of the products within an FPGA Product Line.

Job Responsibilities:

The Lead FPGA Engineer is responsible for defining and leading the Work Packages for the team members on a day-to-day basis. Assignment of the work packages would happen in consultation with the Project Engineering Manager. You would be responsible for providing your team with clear expectations of the engineering outcomes, ensuring that they operate consistently within the Policies & Procedures and to foster the improvement goals defined by the Engineering Function.

Specific responsibilities:

• Lead the Engineering aspects of the FPGA Project or Product Line 
• Manage an FPGA Engineering Team to deliver the project outcomes
• Ensure that the outcomes for success are clearly defined and well communicated
• Ensure that the FPGA Engineering activities are well planned, costed and scheduled with the Project Planning and Project Management Community.
• Ensure that the FPGA Engineering team has a well-documented Engineering Plan and that the plan is followed
• Report on progress of the Engineering plan as needed
• Ensure the FPGA Engineering team follows an effectively tailored Life Cycle Management Process, leading the Design Reviews.
• Oversee the completion of the project outcomes to quality, cost and schedule ensuring that the project performance is accurately reported throughout
• Maintain an effective dialogue with the Project Engineering Manager and PM, reporting status and risks to the project throughout
• Work closely with the FPGA & Systems Design Authorities ensuring they are fully informed on technical progress and technical risks, requesting support as required
• Support the Project Engineering Manager for engineering reviews and team briefs
• Support the team with day-to-day technical queries and hands-on troubleshooting

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

Mandatory

• Proven experience in FPGA engineering management and delivery of projects
• Engineering or scientific Degree qualification (or equivalent)
• Excellent communicator and able to provide clear direction to FPGA teams
• Ability to manage complex situations with sound judgement and the ability to balance conflicting challenges
• Commercial and business awareness
• Experience of working across the full life cycle
• Familiarity with latest FPGA device families and verification methodologies
• Proven expertise of developing FPGA using VHDL or Verilog
• Experienced with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools including HDL Designer, ModelSim / Questa and Precision
• Familiar with Xilinx / Intel (Altera) / Microsemi (Actel) design flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus) and third-party synthesis tools
• Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA Place and Route.
• Ability to analyse system and / or hardware level requirements and derive detailed FPGA requirements
• Independent verification using VHDL
• Experience of FPGA requirements capture and requirements management tools
• De-bugging FPGA designs and supporting integration & verification at hardware and system level
• A good understanding of FPGA version control and revision control software
• Experience of making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for FPGA design activities.
• Experience with High-Speed Serial protocols and implementations
• Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities
• Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills
• Linux and scripting experience
• Practical experience with agile methodology
• Experience in writing technical reports/documentation

Desirable

• Development of real-time, embedded, safety-critical FPGA, preferably in accordance with RTCA/DO-254 DAL A/B or below
• Electronic Warfare or RF Systems Experience
• Defence domain experience or relevant experience in the Aerospace industry
• Development and certification of airborne equipment
• New Product Introduction experience
• Independent verification using SystemVerilog / UVM
• Experience of embedded processor cores (e.g. ARM) in FPGA designs

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in Electronics Engineering or another STEM-based subject

Current valid SC clearance would be an advantage

Due to the security requirements this role is open to SOLE UK NATIONALS ONLY

We are currently seeking a talented and motivated FPGA Engineer to join a leading engineering team developing high-performance systems for space, satellite, and ground-based applications. Based in Noordwijk, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and implementation of mission-critical FPGA-based solutions used in advanced communications and control systems.

Role Overview: As an FPGA Engineer, you will be responsible for the full development cycle of FPGA-based systems, including architecture design, coding, simulation, and testing. You’ll work closely with hardware and systems engineering teams to deliver robust, reliable, and high-speed digital logic for space applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and test FPGA architectures and logic using VHDL or Verilog
• Support requirements definition, interface design, and system integration
• Perform timing analysis, functional simulation, and synthesis
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including specifications, test plans, and reports
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on system-level integration and verification
• Work with tools such as Vivado, Quartus, ModelSim, or similar
• Support hardware bring-up and debug activities in lab and test environments

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in FPGA design and development
• Proficiency in VHDL or Verilog and digital logic design
• Hands-on experience with simulation and synthesis tools (e.g., ModelSim, Vivado, Quartus)
• Familiarity with interface protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, SpaceWire)
• Understanding of FPGA timing constraints, floorplanning, and verification
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Strong documentation and communication skills

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in FPGA development for aerospace or space applications
• Knowledge of radiation-tolerant FPGA devices
• Experience with hardware/software co-design and embedded systems
• Familiarity with ECSS or other space industry standards
• Exposure to version control systems and automated testing

What’s on Offer:

• Work on high-impact, high-performance projects at the frontier of space engineering
• A collaborative, international environment with top-tier engineering talent
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working setup in Noordwijk, with training and development support

If you’re an FPGA specialist with a passion for precision engineering and space innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out for more details.

We’re hiring a Systems Engineer to join a fast-growing engineering team working on complex space and ground segment systems. Based in Noordwijk, this role is perfect for someone with a systems-thinking mindset who thrives on bridging technical disciplines to deliver cutting-edge communication, satellite, and monitoring solutions.

Role Overview: As a Systems Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of the project lifecycle, from requirements definition to system design, integration, and verification. You will interface with multiple engineering domains and external partners to ensure technical coherence and project success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate customer needs into technical system requirements and specifications
• Lead and coordinate system architecture design, analysis, and trade-offs
• Oversee the integration and verification of complex systems and subsystems
• Produce and maintain technical documentation: ICDs, requirement specs, system models
• Work collaboratively across hardware, software, RF, and QA teams
• Participate in and support project design reviews, including SRR, PDR, and CDR
• Support internal and customer-facing technical discussions and reviews
• Assist in project planning, risk management, and continuous improvement of engineering processes

Key Requirements:

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Electronics, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in a systems engineering role, preferably in the space, aerospace, or high-tech sectors
• Solid understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle (from requirements to validation)
• Familiarity with ECSS or ESA standards is a strong plus
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Polarion, JIRA)
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working in cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

What’s on Offer:

• Opportunity to work on leading-edge space technologies and missions
• A collaborative and international environment at the heart of the European space ecosystem
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working environment based in Noordwijk, with professional growth and training opportunities

If you’re a system-level thinker who enjoys working across disciplines to deliver innovative space solutions, this is your opportunity. Apply now or contact us to learn more.

We are hiring an experienced Electronic Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and testing of advanced space and ground systems. Based in Noordwijk, this is a fantastic opportunity to work on mission-critical electronic systems within a highly skilled international engineering environment.

Role Overview: As an Electronic Test Engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing and executing test procedures, supporting verification and validation (V&V), and ensuring the performance and reliability of electronic subsystems and PCBs used in communication and satellite technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and execute test procedures for electronic hardware, including digital and RF subsystems
• Support system integration, functional testing, and validation of electronic equipment
• Perform debugging, fault diagnosis, and root cause analysis on prototypes and final assemblies
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to support the full test lifecycle
• Maintain test documentation, including plans, reports, and non-conformance records
• Operate and maintain electronic lab and test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, etc.)
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test processes and quality assurance

Key Requirements:

• Degree in Electronics Engineering or related discipline
• 2–5+ years of experience in electronic testing, preferably within space, aerospace, or defence sectors
• Hands-on experience with electronic test and measurement tools
• Good knowledge of hardware testing methodologies, circuit debugging, and signal analysis
• Understanding of EMC, environmental, and functional testing standards
• Strong skills in documentation, fault finding, and reporting
• Familiarity with ESA/ECSS standards is an advantage
• Ability to work independently in a lab environment and within cross-functional teams

What’s on Offer:

• Join a team working on high-impact space and ground segment technologies
• Competitive salary and a collaborative, international work environment
• Access to cutting-edge testing facilities and equipment
• Based in Noordwijk, with opportunities for growth and development

If you’re an experienced Electronic Test Engineer looking to work on leading-edge space systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or contact us to learn more!

We’re recruiting for a Product Assurance/Quality Assurance (PA/QA) Engineer to join an innovative engineering company supporting cutting-edge space and ground segment solutions. Based in Noordwijk, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring high standards of quality and compliance in mission-critical aerospace projects.

Role Overview: As a PA/QA Engineer, you will be responsible for implementing and managing quality processes across the full lifecycle of space and communication systems, including design, development, integration, and testing. You’ll work closely with engineering and project management teams to ensure all deliverables meet internal and external quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and implement Product and Quality Assurance plans in alignment with customer and project requirements
• Ensure compliance with ESA, ECSS, and ISO quality standards
• Conduct internal audits, reviews, and inspections throughout the development cycle
• Lead and support non-conformance reviews (NCRs), root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Manage the quality documentation, risk assessments, and project milestones
• Interface with customers and suppliers to ensure alignment on quality expectations and delivery standards
• Support configuration and documentation management processes

 Key Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience in a PA/QA role within the space, aerospace, or defence industry
• Familiarity with ECSS and ESA standards is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of product assurance, reliability, and quality tools/methodologies
• Proven experience in audit preparation, quality planning, and risk management
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Detail-oriented and methodical with the ability to work cross-functionally

What’s on Offer:

• Work in a high-tech, mission-focused environment at the heart of the European space industry
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Access to leading-edge projects and international collaboration
• Opportunities for career growth within a respected and growing organisation
• Based in Noordwijk, with flexible working options

If you’re a quality-driven engineer looking to play a vital role in delivering reliable, world-class space systems, we want to hear from you. Apply now or reach out for more details!

Senior / Principal Firmware Engineer

Our client, a global leader in the Defence Industry is looking for a Senior / Principal Firmware Engineer working on avionics systems.

Role Overview:

The Senior / Principal firmware engineer would be responsible for design and development of Firmware designs using VHDL and verifying designs using VHDL or System Verilog.

Job Responsibilities:

The firmware engineer would work closely with Systems, Hardware and Software teams to provide firmware solutions and solve integration problems on complex systems.

• Creating innovative and robust VHDL-based designs
• Documenting and recording deliverables
• Verifying firmware designs
• Ensuring configuration management/keeping designs under revision control
• Providing progress reports

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

Mandatory

• Proven expertise of developing firmware using VHDL or Verilog
• Experienced with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools including HDL Designer, ModelSim / Questa and Precision
• Familiar with Xilinx / Intel (Altera) / Microsemi (Actel) design flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus) and third-party synthesis tools
• Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA Place and Route.

• Ability to analyse system and / or hardware level requirements and derive detailed Firmware requirements

• Independent verification using VHDL
• Experience of firmware requirements capture and requirements management tools

• De-bugging firmware designs and supporting integration & verification at hardware
  and system level

• A good understanding of firmware version control and revision control software
• Experience of making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for Firmware design activities.

• Experience with High-Speed Serial protocols and implementations

• Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities, liaising closely with the Project Engineering Lead / Lead firmware engineer & other disciplines
• Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills

• Linux and scripting experience
• Experience in writing technical reports/ documentation

Desirable

• Development of real-time, embedded, safety-critical firmware, preferably in accordance with RTCA/DO-254 DAL D
• Independent verification using SystemVerilog / UVM
• Relevant experience in the Aerospace or Defence industry
• Experience of embedded processor cores (e.g. ARM) in FPGA designs
• Familiarity with latest FPGA device families

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in Electronics Engineering or another STEM-based subject

This role could be based in Luton or Edinburgh

Due to security requirements this role is open to SOLE UK NATIONALS ONLY

Our Client, a global leader in the defence industry has an exciting opportunity for a Lead FPGA design Engineer / Manager.

Role Overview:

The Lead FPGA Engineer would be responsible the success of the engineering activities within an Integrated FPGA Product Team or one of the products within an FPGA Product Line.

Job Responsibilities:

The Lead FPGA Engineer is responsible for defining and leading the Work Packages for the team members on a day-to-day basis. Assignment of the work packages would happen in consultation with the Project Engineering Manager. You would be responsible for providing your team with clear expectations of the engineering outcomes, ensuring that they operate consistently within the Policies & Procedures and to foster the improvement goals defined by the Engineering Function.

Specific responsibilities:

• Lead the Engineering aspects of the FPGA Project or Product Line 
• Manage an FPGA Engineering Team to deliver the project outcomes
• Ensure that the outcomes for success are clearly defined and well communicated
• Ensure that the FPGA Engineering activities are well planned, costed and scheduled with the Project Planning and Project Management Community.
• Ensure that the FPGA Engineering team has a well-documented Engineering Plan and that the plan is followed
• Report on progress of the Engineering plan as needed
• Ensure the FPGA Engineering team follows an effectively tailored Life Cycle Management Process, leading the Design Reviews.
• Oversee the completion of the project outcomes to quality, cost and schedule ensuring that the project performance is accurately reported throughout
• Maintain an effective dialogue with the Project Engineering Manager and PM, reporting status and risks to the project throughout
• Work closely with the FPGA & Systems Design Authorities ensuring they are fully informed on technical progress and technical risks, requesting support as required
• Support the Project Engineering Manager for engineering reviews and team briefs
• Support the team with day-to-day technical queries and hands-on troubleshooting

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

Mandatory

• Proven experience in FPGA engineering management and delivery of projects
• Engineering or scientific Degree qualification (or equivalent)
• Excellent communicator and able to provide clear direction to FPGA teams
• Ability to manage complex situations with sound judgement and the ability to balance conflicting challenges
• Commercial and business awareness
• Experience of working across the full life cycle
• Familiarity with latest FPGA device families and verification methodologies
• Proven expertise of developing FPGA using VHDL or Verilog
• Experienced with Mentor Graphics FPGA development tools including HDL Designer, ModelSim / Questa and Precision
• Familiar with Xilinx / Intel (Altera) / Microsemi (Actel) design flows (ISE, Vivado, Quartus) and third-party synthesis tools
• Experience in specifying timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA Place and Route.
• Ability to analyse system and / or hardware level requirements and derive detailed FPGA requirements
• Independent verification using VHDL
• Experience of FPGA requirements capture and requirements management tools
• De-bugging FPGA designs and supporting integration & verification at hardware and system level
• A good understanding of FPGA version control and revision control software
• Experience of making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for FPGA design activities.
• Experience with High-Speed Serial protocols and implementations
• Ability to coordinate day to day technical activities
• Excellent communication (oral & written) & interpersonal skills
• Linux and scripting experience
• Practical experience with agile methodology
• Experience in writing technical reports/documentation

Desirable

• Development of real-time, embedded, safety-critical FPGA, preferably in accordance with RTCA/DO-254 DAL A/B or below
• Electronic Warfare or RF Systems Experience
• Defence domain experience or relevant experience in the Aerospace industry
• Development and certification of airborne equipment
• New Product Introduction experience
• Independent verification using SystemVerilog / UVM
• Experience of embedded processor cores (e.g. ARM) in FPGA designs

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in Electronics Engineering or another STEM-based subject

Current valid SC clearance would be an advantage

Due to the security requirements this role is open to SOLE UK NATIONALS ONLY

Are you ready to lead and inspire the next generation of engineers while solving complex infrastructure challenges? We’re looking for a Systems Engineering Lead to join a high-performing team working on critical facilities and infrastructure projects.

In this role, you’ll mentor and guide a small team of junior and graduate engineers, applying systems thinking principles to real-world problems. You’ll act as a technical leader, providing oversight, shaping project scope, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring quality delivery across the project lifecycle.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and support a team of junior systems engineers, offering coaching and technical guidance
• Apply practical systems engineering in the context of infrastructure and facilities maintenance
• Ensure effective project scoping, requirements capture, and problem definition
• Represent the systems engineering function in customer-facing engagements
• Review and develop technical documents: requirements sets, interface definitions, V&V plans, etc.
• Integrate systems engineering into broader project and design assurance processes
• Drive continuous improvement of tools, templates, and systems engineering practices

What We’re Looking For:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s or working toward CEng status preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience in systems engineering within a regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, defence, infrastructure)
• Solid understanding of systems engineering across the full lifecycle
• Confident communicator with stakeholder management experience
• Proven mentorship or team leadership capabilities
• Strong analytical skills and a structured approach to complex challenges

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with INCOSE SE Handbook or defence systems standards
• Exposure to MBSE, SysML or similar modelling tools
• Knowledge of IBM DOORS
• Understanding of digital twin or BIM integration
• Experience in maintenance planning or asset management systems

Additional Information:

You must be a UK National and eligible for Security Clearance to be considered for this role.

If you’re passionate about solving real-world engineering problems and growing your career in systems leadership, we’d love to hear from you.