Graduate Firmware Engineer

Your impact

What You'll Do

Our Graduate Programme

Qualifications

• We're looking for curious, motivated graduates with a passion for engineering, problem solving and technology.
• Electronic Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• AI & Cybernetics
• Communications Engineering
• Information Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Physics or Applied Physics
• Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Computer Communication and Networks
• Related disciplines
• An interest in firmware development, FPGA design, embedded systems or digital signal processing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from experienced engineers
• Our Graduate Programme
• Our Graduate Programme has been designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a future engineering leader.
• Structured professional development and technical training
• Support from experienced engineers, mentors and the wider graduate community
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects with real customer impact
• Development towards professional registration, where applicable
• Exposure to a wide range of technologies, products and engineering disciplines
• Networking opportunities across Leonardo's UK business
• Security Clearance
• Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.
• For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.
• To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.
• For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
• https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
• Why join us
• At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
• We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
• · Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• · Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• · Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity
• · Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• · Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits
• We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
• Start your extraordinary career – apply now!
• GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
• Permanent
• Hybrid

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience of programming, simulation, digital design or laboratory-based testing gained through university projects, placements or personal interests (desirable, not essential)
• Familiarity with hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog or SystemVerilog, or FPGA development tools, is beneficial but not essential
• · Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.

Responsibilities

• As part of our Firmware Engineering team, you'll support the development of high-performance digital systems used within advanced Electronic Warfare solutions.
• Your activities will include:
• Designing and developing FPGA firmware solutions for complex embedded and real-time systems
• Creating and verifying designs using hardware description languages and industry-standard development tools
• Supporting the development of digital processing technologies used in Electronic Warfare and sensing applications
• Conducting simulation, testing and validation activities to ensure firmware meets functional, timing and performance requirements
• Analysing technical data and presenting findings to engineering teams and stakeholders
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across systems, hardware, software and verification engineering to integrate firmware solutions into larger products
• Contributing to technical documentation, design reviews and customer deliverables
• Developing an understanding of the complete engineering lifecycle, from concept through to manufacture and in-service support
• What We're Looking For
• We're looking for curious, motivated graduates with a passion for engineering, problem solving and technology.
• You should have, or be on track to achieve:
• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor's degree, Integrated Master's degree, MSc or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline, such as:
• Electronic Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• AI & Cybernetics
• Communications Engineering
• Information Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Physics or Applied Physics
• Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Computer Communication and Networks
• Related disciplines
• We'd also like to see:
• An interest in firmware development, FPGA design, embedded systems or digital signal processing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from experienced engineers
• Experience of programming, simulation, digital design or laboratory-based testing gained through university projects, placements or personal interests (desirable, not essential)
• Familiarity with hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog or SystemVerilog, or FPGA development tools, is beneficial but not essential
• Our Graduate Programme has been designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a future engineering leader.
• You'll benefit from:
• Structured professional development and technical training
• Support from experienced engineers, mentors and the wider graduate community
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects with real customer impact
• Development towards professional registration, where applicable
• Exposure to a wide range of technologies, products and engineering disciplines
• Networking opportunities across Leonardo's UK business
• Security Clearance
• Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.
• For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.
• To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.
• For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
• https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
• Why join us
• At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
• We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
• · Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• · Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• · Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity
• · Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• · Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• · Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits
• We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
• Start your extraordinary career – apply now!
• Primary Location:
• GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
• Contract Type:
• Permanent
• Hybrid Working:
• Hybrid