Principal Firmware (VHDL) Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Job Description

This role is for a Principal Firmware (VHDL) Engineer who is looking to apply their experience in a new and challenging environment, working across the full development lifecycle on existing and new programmes.

While primarily working on defence products and contracts, candidates with domain experience in adjacent areas are encouraged to apply for this role. Working within a team environment the candidate will be able to use their technical knowledge, decision making and interpersonal skills to achieve the project goals.

The successful candidate will pro-actively contribute to product development and advancing the skills and capabilities of GDMS-UK engineering. The role involves a range of activities, including:

• Firmware development and verification, primarily VHDL
• Adherence to RTCA/DO-254 and other applicable standards
• Lead internal and external firmware design reviews throughout the development life-cycle
• Support system architecture discussions where the firmware is a key component of the system

Qualifications

Essential

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant engineering field or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in FPGA design and implementation, primarily using XILINX SoCs and MicroSemi FPGAs
• Proficiency in VHDL, simulation tools, and verification test bench generation
• Expert knowledge of XILINX Vivado toolset and supporting tools
• Understanding of requirements capture, work package definition, and effort estimation
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead firmware design reviews

Desirable

Qualifications

• Experience with 3rd party IP cores and MicroSemi Libero toolset
• Familiarity with RTCA/DO-254 development guidelines
• Experience in video interfaces, processing, and standards
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

The ideal candidate will demonstrate high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism, as well as flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery.

Professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential. GDMS-UK actively support employees in attaining CEng status.

Additional Information

This role has a salary of between £59,200 and £85,000 plus our flexible benefits package.

We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically 3 days working in office) on a weekly basis or fully in our offices.

Relocation assistance may be available for qualifying UK based applicants to move closer to our sites.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits: 

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off. 
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company. 
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits 

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Please email View email address on jobs.smartrecruiters.com if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks