Firmware Engineer

As a Firmware Engineer  you will join Scotland  team to support our activities within the Defence sector. 

• Location: Glasgow (Potential infrequent travel to additional sites)
• On Site: 3-5 times per week (depending on level of work)
• Clearance:  Must hold full right to work in the UK and be eligible for/already hold SC Clearance
• Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (due to complexity of work)

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement  VHDL-based FPGA firmware  for high-reliability embedded systems.
• Conduct  firmware architecture design , coding, simulation, and testing activities in accordance with engineering and quality standards.
• Collaborate with  Hardware, Systems, and Software Engineers  to ensure seamless integration of FPGA solutions into broader system architectures.
• Perform  timing analysis , verification, and validation of FPGA designs using simulation tools and test benches.
• Support system reviews, documentation, and configuration management throughout the  full development lifecycle .
• Provide technical input and mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring adherence to design standards and best practices.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• A  Bachelor’s  or  Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline , or  equivalent military experience .
• 5+ years’ experience  in  Firmware or FPGA Design  within the  Defence ,  Aerospace , or  Safety-Critical Systems  domains.
• Proven expertise in  FPGA development , including  VHDL coding ,  synthesis ,  timing closure , and  simulation .
• Proficiency with FPGA development tools such as  Xilinx Vivado ,  Intel Quartus , or  Mentor ModelSim .
• Experience across the  full firmware lifecycle  — from requirements capture through to design validation and verification.
• Strong understanding of  embedded systems ,  digital design principles , and  hardware-software integration .
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with  DO-254  or other safety-critical design standards.
• Experience with  Defence or Aerospace-grade hardware  development.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as  Python  or  TCL  for automation.
• Exposure to  Configuration Management Tools  (e.g. Git, SVN).

• Why join us? 
• We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
• At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
• Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
• In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.