Principal FPGA Engineer

?? Principal FPGA Engineer - Space Industry ??

Location: Chelmsford (with excellent transport links to London and Stansted)

About the Role:Are you ready to contribute to humanity's most ambitious space missions? We're looking for a Principal FPGA Compliance and Verification Engineer to join our growing team and play a key role in developing cutting-edge Front End Electronics (FEE) systems for space applications.

This role is ideal for an experienced FPGA professional who thrives in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and is ready to ensure that FPGA designs meet the highest standards for space missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive FPGA development, verification, and release processes in line with ECSS standards for long-term space reliability.
• Collaborate with FPGA, hardware, software, and verification engineers to deliver high-quality systems.
• Generate test plans and procedures to ensure compliance with internal and customer requirements.
• Conduct hands-on testing and verification of FPGA deliverables.
• Act as the primary interface between the FPGA team and Product Assurance, ensuring top-tier documentation and process compliance.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of development standards in Space, Aerospace, or Defence industries (e.g., ECSS-Q-ST-60-03C).
• Proven experience across the full FPGA development lifecycle, including robust, high-reliability coding.
• Expertise in VHDL FPGA code development and FPGA simulation tools.
• Strong background in developing verification and validation plans and implementing UVVM testbenches.
• Familiarity with tools like Jama (requirements management), Jira/Redmine (issue tracking), and version control software (e.g., Subversion).
• Excellent communication skills, particularly for customer-facing documentation.

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge of imaging systems or cameras.
• Experience automating test scripts and systems verification using tools like Python.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package, including:
  • 25 days annual leave (+ bank holidays) with the option to purchase additional leave.
  • A strong pension scheme with up to 6% company contribution.
  • Flexible start and finish times (37-hour week).
  • Access to health plans, life assurance, and discounted season tickets.
  • Free parking, tea, coffee, and an on-site football pitch!
• A friendly and welcoming company culture with opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
• A fantastic location, surrounded by countryside with excellent walking and cycling routes.

Be Part of Something Bigger:Join a team whose technology has supported iconic space missions like the Hubble Telescope, Mars Rovers, and Rosetta. Shape the future of space exploration with designs that deliver reliability, precision, and innovation.

Apply now to make your mark in the cosmos! �?