Graduate FPGA/Firmware Engineer (VHDL)

Location: Maidenhead, United Kingdom; based at the Cyber Centre of Excellence

Company

Ultra I&C's Cyber business develops embedded encryption, cryptographic, and key management solutions for customers operating at tactical and strategic levels.

What you will do

• Develop FPGA and firmware engineering skills through a range of projects from early inception to delivery and early research activities.
• Create FPGA designs and plans, develop VHDL implementations, and build self-checking test benches using industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Work with other engineering disciplines to solve complex problems and deliver solutions meeting customer requirements and business objectives.
• Manage requirements and related information using tools such as DOORS.
• Perform hands-on testing and laboratory work with support from senior engineers.
• Manage information security in compliance with government regulations.

Requirements

• Relevant STEM degree with at least a lower second-class honours degree, completed within the past two years.
• Experience designing digital circuits.
• Experience designing and implementing FPGA firmware modules, preferably through degree-level FPGA study.
• Ability to apply scientific and engineering knowledge to real-world problems individually and as part of a team, communicating technical and project aspects.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain SC security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain DV security clearance after obtaining SC clearance.
• Applicants must be British citizens resident in the UK for the past 5 years for SC clearance and 10 years for DV clearance.

Nice to have

• FPGA firmware development using VHDL beyond formal education, including personal projects with FPGA development boards.
• Experience with FPGA development processes, design synthesis, timing analysis, test benches, and debugging.
• Holistic, logical, and analytical problem-solving skills, including risk-based and best-value decision-making.
• Knowledge of the engineering lifecycle and V-model.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS.
• Appreciation of cryptography and techniques used for secure communication.

Culture & Benefits

• Two-year graduate programme with on-the-job coaching, mentoring, peer support, and technical and professional training.
• Support for continuing professional development and progression toward chartered or incorporated engineer recognition.
• Opportunity to participate in STEM outreach with schools and universities.
• Full-time employment with flexible working hours and the opportunity for a 1pm finish on Fridays.
• Benefits include an annual bonus scheme, private medical cover, 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pension contributions, life assurance, flexible benefits, and a possible security clearance allowance.
• After completing the programme, an ongoing position is offered within the Firmware engineering function in Maidenhead.

Hiring process

• Applications are for the September 2027 graduate intake.
• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the security clearances required for the role and handle export-controlled material where applicable.