FPGA Engineer

TL;DR

FPGA Engineer (AMD Xilinx): Developing advanced FPGA architectures for single-board computer solutions with an accent on high-speed interfaces, embedded processor subsystems, and full development lifecycle. Focus on requirements derivation, VHDL implementation, integration of MicroBlaze processors, and modern verification using Cocotb or UVVM.

Location: Hybrid Colchester Office (UK). Subject to BPSS security clearance.

Company

Provider of high-performance embedded computing solutions for defence, telecoms, and aerospace industries with four decades of experience.

What you will do

• Derive FPGA requirements from system specifications and develop architectures for SBC designs including high-speed interfaces.
• Implement FPGA designs using AMD Vivado, integrate MicroBlaze soft processors, peripherals, and custom IP.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams for FPGA and SoC integration.
• Develop testbenches with Cocotb or UVVM, perform simulation, hardware bring-up, and system-level validation.
• Evaluate design trade-offs for performance, power, and cost targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or related.
• Proven experience with AMD (Xilinx) FPGAs (Zynq, Kintex, Artix preferred), VHDL, and Vivado Design Suite.
• Experience developing/integrating MicroBlaze processors and subsystems.
• Understanding of FPGA architecture, clocking, resets, interfacing; familiarity with SBC architectures (Intel processors, eSPI, PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART).
• Experience with Cocotb, UVVM, or modern verification methodologies.

Nice to have

• Embedded C/C++ development for FPGA processors.
• Signal integrity, timing closure, board-level hardware debug.
• Requirements-driven development tools (DOORS, Jama).

Culture & Benefits

• 25 days holidays + bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme.
• Annual profit share bonus, generous pension (up to 10% employer contribution).
• Private health insurance (Bupa), employee assistance, virtual GP, YuLife wellbeing app.
• Cycle to work, home/tech/car salary sacrifice schemes; death in service, income protection.
• Enhanced parental leave, one paid volunteering day, employee referral scheme.