FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description:

What does it take to make complex EW and Future Combat Air systems react in real time, under extreme conditions?
At Leonardo, it’s the FPGA logic at the heart of those systems that makes the difference. As an FPGA Design Engineer working on our EW and FCA programmes, you’ll help develop the programmable logic that enables high‑speed sensing, signal processing and decision‑making in mission‑critical environments. Based primarily in Luton, this role combines real programme delivery with access to a structured FPGA Academy, allowing capable engineers to deepen and accelerate their FPGA expertise while contributing to live EW and combat‑air systems. Hybrid working is supported, with on‑site presence flexing to meet programme needs.

What you will do as an FPGA Design Engineer on EW and FCA programmes:

• Design, develop and verify FPGA logic for advanced electronic warfare and combat‑air systems.
• Work on modern FPGA platforms supporting:High‑speed data movement and sensor interfacesDeterministic, low‑latency processing chainsEmbedded processing using SoC devices and soft‑core processors
• Support the delivery of FPGA solutions enabling advanced signal processing, control and real‑time data handling.
• Translate system‑level requirements into robust FPGA architectures and implementations.
• Implement, simulate and verify designs using structured FPGA development and verification methodologies.
• Support integration, bring‑up and debug of FPGA designs within complex hardware platforms in advanced electronics laboratories.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems and software teams to deliver fully integrated EW and FCA system solutions.
• Participate in design and technical reviews, and where required, support activity across UK sites or customer locations.

Alongside project delivery, you’ll be supported by a structured FPGA Academy, with training modules aligned to both your existing background and the needs of the EW and FCA programmes you’re supporting.

How this role grows with you

This is a role where progression comes through technical depth and delivery, not job titles alone.

• Initially, you’ll focus on building confidence developing and verifying FPGA designs while contributing meaningfully to EW and FCA programmes.
• As experience grows, you’ll take ownership of larger FPGA features or processing chains, influencing architectural and implementation decisions.
• With proven delivery and judgement, progression leads naturally to Senior and Principal FPGA roles, where you shape FPGA strategy, mentor others and influence system‑level solutions.
• Growth is driven by technical authority, problem‑solving and trust earned through programme delivery.

What you’ll bring

This role is suited to engineers with a strong technical foundation who want to build depth and confidence in FPGA development within complex system environments.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• HNC/HND or degree‑level knowledge in a relevant discipline (e.g. Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or similar), or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working within a structured engineering development lifecycle.
• Exposure to digital systems, programmable logic, or hardware‑proximate development.
• Awareness of high‑speed interfaces and digital design concepts (e.g. Ethernet, PCIe, JESD, LVDS).
• Hands‑on experience supporting system‑level debug and test, using appropriate electronics tools.

Useful (but not required):

• Prior FPGA or HDL development experience.
• Experience with embedded processing, SoC‑based designs or real‑time systems.
• Background in defence, aerospace or other high‑reliability industries, where performance and robustness are critical.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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