Principal FPGA Engineer

Thales

Principal FPGA Engineer leading safety-critical firmware development for Thales UK’s defence, electronic warfare and radar products. Designing, verifying and enhancing complex FPGA systems across multidisciplinary teams.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeBristol • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in firmware development and verification within safety-critical environments, utilizing advanced skills in VHDL, SystemVerilog, and digital electronic design. Capable of leading firmware projects while interfacing effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Firmware DevelopmentVHDL VerificationSystemVerilog Testbench ArchitectureRequirements Management Using IBM Rational DOORSDigital Electronic Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Firmware DevelopmentVHDLSystemVerilogC++Digital Electronic DesignAlgorithm Development Using MATLABImage Processing TechniquesObject-Oriented Design TechniquesProcess AutomationSimulation Using Mentor Graphics ModelSim

Soft Skills

Strong Verbal CommunicationStrong Written Communication

Tools & Technologies

IBM Rational DOORSMentor Graphics ModelSimQuestaSim

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Degree (BEng, MEng, EngD or PhD)Membership or Fellowship of a Professional Engineering Body

Industry Keywords

Safety-Critical EnvironmentsDefence ExperiencePCIeEthernetSerial CommunicationsAXI4FPGA DevelopmentFirmware Design/ArchitectureVerification Testbench ArchitectureSC Clearance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead firmware development and deliver firmware projects to agreed time, cost and quality
Verify firmware using Hardware Verification Languages or Hardware Description Languages
Design firmware using Hardware Description Languages
Enhance firmware-related processes, including documenting, scripting, reporting and process automation
Work closely with multidisciplinary teams
Interface with external customers and internal stakeholders
Take responsibility for firmware/FPGA development within complex systems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Demonstrable firmware experience within safety-critical environments
Defence experience advantageous but not essential
Experience interfacing with external customers and internal stakeholders
Experience leading firmware design/architecture
Experience with verification testbench architecture using SystemVerilog or C++
Advanced VHDL verification or OSVVM/UVVM
Requirements management using IBM Rational DOORS
Simulation using Mentor Graphics ModelSim/QuestaSim
Digital electronic design using VHDL and either Verilog or SystemVerilog
Implementation of complex designs using vendor-specific development tools
Knowledge of PCIe, Ethernet, Serial Communications and AXI4
Object-oriented design techniques
Image processing techniques and algorithms
Algorithm development using MATLAB
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Relevant degree (BEng, MEng, EngD or PhD)
Membership or fellowship of a professional engineering body, preferably with or working towards chartered status
Ability to undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance
Generally, five years’ residence in the UK over the last five years for full SC eligibility; in some circumstances, at least three years may be accepted with additional overseas checks

Benefits

Comp & perks

Market leading training, development and experiences
Mentoring and coaching by industry experts
Significant bonus
Strong pension contribution
Private healthcare/private medical insurance
Development-focused targets
Relocation support if required
Learning, development and career enhancement opportunities
Support towards academic and membership attainments
Option to buy or sell annual leave
Cycle to work schemes
Employee discounts
Paid volunteering day
Stocks and shares
Annual bonus
Employee networks and wellbeing policies