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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

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

Are you ready to shape the future of cutting-edge Electronic Warfare and Radar systems? Our partner are growing their systems engineering capability and currently hiring at multiple levels – Senior, Lead, and Principal Systems Engineers – to support the development of advanced defence technologies.

Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team driving the development of next-generation electronic systems and contribute across the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements definition to system verification.

UK citizenship and eligibility for full security clearance required.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and manage system and sub-system requirements using industry-standard tools (e.g., DOORS)
• Develop and implement requirements management and verification plans
• Ensure traceability from high-level system requirements to sub-system level
• Support the generation and review of verification evidence and compliance documentation
• Collaborate across disciplines including software, hardware, and systems teams
• Contribute to the design and integration of advanced RF, radar, and electro-optic systems

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in systems engineering across the full lifecycle
• Strong skills in requirements definition, flow-down, and verification
• Expert-level or proficient in DOORS and requirements configuration
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as Atlassian suite, Cameo Systems Modeler, or MATLAB
• Understanding of EW, RF, Radar, or electro-optical system design
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across engineering teams

Opportunities Across Levels:

• Senior Systems Engineers – Contribute technically and support project delivery
• Lead Systems Engineers – Provide technical direction and mentor junior staff
• Principal Systems Engineers – Drive system architecture, strategy, and technical leadership

Join a team at the forefront of defence technology innovation, where you can take ownership of challenging projects, collaborate with experts, and grow your career at the level that suits your experience.

Apply today and be part of building tomorrow’s defence capabilities.

Looking to build software that powers real-world security systems? Join a forward-thinking team developing next-generation radar technology used in over 35 countries for border surveillance, perimeter protection, and critical infrastructure security.

You’ll work on everything from embedded radar software to advanced control interfaces, developing new capabilities, improving user experiences, and integrating with third-party surveillance platforms. This is a great opportunity for a curious and capable software engineer ready to take on exciting technical challenges in a multidisciplinary environment.
 
What You’ll Be Doing:

• Design and develop software across a range of radar systems and interfaces
• Build integrations with third-party surveillance and security platforms
• Enhance system usability and improve user experiences
• Help evolve the team’s engineering practices and techniques

What We’re Looking For:

• 2+ years’ experience in software development
• Strong understanding of object-oriented programming
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Problem-solver with a creative, analytical mindset
• Comfortable engaging with end users and stakeholders

It’d Be Great If You Also Have Some Of The Following:

• Degree in software, engineering, or a software-focused science field
• C++, Python, or similar programming languages
• Experience with SQL databases, GIS data, or UI/UX best practices
• Familiarity with real-time systems, embedded Linux, or machine learning
• Background in security/defence or command & control software
• Willingness to travel for occasional project work (UK & international)

If you’re ready to make a direct impact on cutting-edge surveillance technologies and work alongside a team of expert engineers, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!
 

Opportunities at multiple UK sites (hybrid working): Somerset, Midlothian, Lincolnshire, Essex, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Tyne and Wear.

Are you ready to shape the future of cutting-edge Electronic Warfare and Radar systems? Our partner are growing their systems engineering capability and currently hiring at multiple levels – Senior, Lead, and Principal Systems Engineers – to support the development of advanced defence technologies.

Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team driving the development of next-generation electronic systems and contribute across the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements definition to system verification.

UK citizenship and eligibility for full security clearance required.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and manage system and sub-system requirements using industry-standard tools (e.g., DOORS)
• Develop and implement requirements management and verification plans
• Ensure traceability from high-level system requirements to sub-system level
• Support the generation and review of verification evidence and compliance documentation
• Collaborate across disciplines including software, hardware, and systems teams
• Contribute to the design and integration of advanced RF, radar, and electro-optic systems

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in systems engineering across the full lifecycle
• Strong skills in requirements definition, flow-down, and verification
• Expert-level or proficient in DOORS and requirements configuration
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as Atlassian suite, Cameo Systems Modeler, or MATLAB
• Understanding of EW, RF, Radar, or electro-optical system design
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across engineering teams

 
Opportunities Across Levels:

• Senior Systems Engineers – Contribute technically and support project delivery
• Principal Systems Engineers – Drive system architecture, strategy, and technical leadership
• Lead Systems Engineers – Provide technical direction and mentor junior staff

Join a team at the forefront of defence technology innovation, where you can take ownership of challenging projects, collaborate with experts, and grow your career at the level that suits your experience.

Apply today and be part of building tomorrow’s defence capabilities.

Are you ready to take the lead in developing cutting-edge embedded software solutions for next-generation Electronic Warfare systems? We’re seeking a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to play a pivotal role in driving innovative and mission-critical solutions.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to combine hands-on development with leadership, guiding a multidisciplinary team and delivering robust embedded solutions in a high-integrity environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers
• Take ownership of project planning, technical reviews, and reporting
• Drive all phases of the software lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, testing, and integration
• Develop embedded software using RTOSs such as VxWorks or embedded Linux
• Deploy software across multi-core or distributed hardware platforms
• Collaborate closely with hardware and firmware teams to deliver integrated systems
• Follow standards such as RTCA DO-178C and MISRA C/C++ for airborne software development
• Contribute to design reviews, gate reviews, and agile development ceremonies

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong experience with C++(14 or above)
• Proficiency in UML and Object-Oriented Design techniques
• Deep understanding of the full software lifecycle in regulated environments
• Experience working in Agile environments (e.g. Scrum), with tools like Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and GitLab
• Exposure to airborne software standards such as RTCA DO-178C DAL C or similar
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence technical direction

 
Bonus Skills:

• Familiarity with tools like Matlab Simulink, Cameo, DOORS, or Dimensions
• Previous experience in systems requiring high design assurance and real-time performance
• Capability to operate as a technical authority or team lead

Requirements:

• Degree in Software, Electronics, or another STEM-based discipline
• Must be a UK national and eligible for full UK security clearance

Join a dynamic, forward-thinking team where you can lead innovative projects, grow technically, and contribute to the future of electronic warfare systems.

Apply now and help shape the next generation of mission-critical defence technology.

Are you ready to take the lead in developing cutting-edge embedded software solutions for next-generation Electronic Warfare systems? We’re seeking a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to play a pivotal role in driving innovative and mission-critical solutions.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to combine hands-on development with leadership, guiding a multidisciplinary team and delivering robust embedded solutions in a high-integrity environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers
• Take ownership of project planning, technical reviews, and reporting
• Drive all phases of the software lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, testing, and integration
• Develop embedded software using RTOSs such as VxWorks or embedded Linux
• Deploy software across multi-core or distributed hardware platforms
• Collaborate closely with hardware and firmware teams to deliver integrated systems
• Follow standards such as RTCA DO-178C and MISRA C/C++ for airborne software development
• Contribute to design reviews, gate reviews, and agile development ceremonies

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong experience with C++(14 or above)
• Proficiency in UML and Object-Oriented Design techniques
• Deep understanding of the full software lifecycle in regulated environments
• Experience working in Agile environments (e.g. Scrum), with tools like Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and GitLab
• Exposure to airborne software standards such as RTCA DO-178C DAL C or similar
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence technical direction

 
Bonus Skills:

• Familiarity with tools like Matlab Simulink, Cameo, DOORS, or Dimensions
• Previous experience in systems requiring high design assurance and real-time performance
• Capability to operate as a technical authority or team lead

Requirements:

• Degree in Software, Electronics, or another STEM-based discipline
• Must be a UK national and eligible for full UK security clearance

Join a dynamic, forward-thinking team where you can lead innovative projects, grow technically, and contribute to the future of electronic warfare systems.

Apply now and help shape the next generation of mission-critical defence technology.

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.

Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a passion for leading complex, high-impact projects within the defence or aerospace sector? We’re looking for a driven and strategic Programme Manager to take ownership of a key customer-facing programme within the Land sector. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the success of multiple international projects from design through to delivery.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Land Programme Manager, you will oversee a programme comprising several concurrent projects, each at different stages of their lifecycle. Your leadership will ensure successful planning, execution and stakeholder engagement, all while aligning with commercial objectives and ensuring robust risk and resource management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate multiple projects within a major Land sector programme
• Ensure integrated planning, risk management and resourcing across departments
• Drive delivery against profit, revenue and growth targets
• Participate in bid and proposal planning, estimating PM labour, and scheduling
• Launch and oversee R&D and customer contracts from inception to closure
• Liaise with engineering and functional leads to ensure technical and resource alignment
• Provide high-level project board communication and strategic stakeholder engagement
• Manage reporting on financials (revenue, cash-flow, margin forecasts, etc.)
• Mentor and support project managers while overseeing PM staffing needs

What We’re Looking For:

Essential:

• Proven experience managing international defence/aerospace programmes
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills
• Recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, APM)
• Experience leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, collaborative setting
• Engineering background and understanding of complex systems
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Desirable:

• Degree in business, project management, or a related field

Personal Attributes:

• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage

What’s on Offer:

• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• Early finish on Fridays
• 28 days annual leave + Christmas closure + holiday purchase scheme
• Group pension plan (matched up to 5%)
• Income protection & life assurance
• Remote GP access, mental health support, physiotherapy services
• EV salary sacrifice scheme
• Discounts on gym memberships, high street retailers, and more
• Access to learning & development resources
• Onsite free parking

Security Requirements: Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance. This includes proof of identity, right to work in the UK, and five years of UK residency.

We have an exciting opportunity for a DSP Engineer to work on cutting-edge telematics and stolen vehicle recovery solutions for police forces, insurers, fleet managers, OEMs, and consumers worldwide. This role can be Permanent or Contract.

The Role

We are looking for a Communications Engineer well versed in SDR design and DSP algorithms for a cost-optimised distributed RDF system project.

Knowledge and experience of the following is highly desirable:

• High dynamic range broadband radio receiver design
• SDR and hybrid analogue/SDR design
• DSP (including FPGA)devices and algorithms
• Signal search and identification
• Radio propagation
• Radio noise and interference

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will

• be very familiar with both the analogue and DSP aspects of receiver design
• have at least ten years’ experience in RF, DSP, and comms design
• have fluency and currency in at least one DSP methodology or language
• have a degree/HND from a relevant course and institution

The Rewards

In return, there is an excellent salary and employee benefits, including a Hybrid working model. There is a real interest in your development. All the training, professional development and support that you need to complete our development projects is provided.

We are based just south of Cambridge with easy road and rail routes to the city centre. We provide a friendly and supportive working environment including regular on-site and off-site social events.