FPGA Firmware 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.

Boost your career at the absolute frontier of aerospace technology by joining our TEMPEST team, helping to deliver the UK’s 6th generation fighter aircraft. As an engineer on this critical multi-national project, you will actively design, build, and integrate the next generation of combat air capability. You will collaborate with industry-leading minds to pioneer breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digital model based engineering, and truly next-generation computing. This is a rare opportunity to see your innovations directly shape the future of global defence, work with cutting-edge technologies, and fast-track your professional development on one of the most ambitious engineering ventures of the century.

In this role you will:

• Develop FPGA and firmware solutions
• Perform simulation and integration testing
• Develop technologies that will shape combat aviation for decades to come
• Work with world-leading engineers across industry, government and academia
• Contribute to sovereign UK defence capability and international collaboration

• Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline
• Demonstrable VHDL/Verilog experience
• Embedded systems knowledge
• Demonstrated high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism
• Flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery in fast-paced environments
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

This role has a salary of between £36,000 - £45,000 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person—not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role.

We appreciate the time you take to apply.