Senior FPGA Firmware Engineer

About
Established in 2012, the company is the first UAE-based manufacturer of precision-guided systems for conventional aerial munitions. The company is a regional leader in precision-guided munition kits, leveraging the latest advanced technologies in optics and propulsion systems and continuously delivering new products and production process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Firmware Development: Develop and implement firmware in VHDL, focusing on entry-level FPGA and SoC devices. Optimise firmware code to fit within CPLD devices, such as the Max10. Comply with RTCA DO-254 where applicable. Lead full life-cycle development of FPGA designs, from concept to implementation.
• Simulation & Testing: Create fully automated test benches for the verification of firmware designs. In-depth debugging and testing of FPGA and SoC systems, identifying and resolving issues related to digital and analogue components at the PCB assembly level.
• Supporting the E-CAD Department in FPGA PCB Design: Contribute to the design and review of digital circuit designs for FPGA-based systems. Collaborate closely with PCB and E-CAD teams to ensure seamless integration of FPGA designs with the PCB layout.
• Software Collaboration & C Programming: Write embedded C code to interface firmware with software on SoC systems. Work closely with the software team to implement SoC designs and ensure smooth integration between hardware and software layers.
• Documentation & Standards Compliance: Write and maintain clear documentation, including firmware requirements, design descriptions, and test documents, in line with military and industry standards, ensuring compliance with DO-178 where applicable.

Experience & Education

• 4 years Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant courses and/or certifications (e.g., FPGA development, embedded systems, DO-254 and DO-178) in the context of defence and aerospace industries are advantageous.

Key Skills

• 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in FPGA firmware development, particularly with FPGA and SoC devices, preferably in a high-technology defence industry environment.
• Extensive experience with Intel Altera and/or AMD Xilinx FPGAs (e.g., Cyclone, Zynq7000) and CPLD devices (such as the Max10).
• Strong proficiency in VHDL for FPGA design and implementation.
• Experience with embedded C programming to interface firmware with software on SoC systems (such as Zynq 7000 or Cyclone series).
• Knowledge of digital and analogue circuit design, with the ability to debug PCB assemblies.
• Familiarity with DO-254 (hardware design assurance) and DO-178 (software design assurance) standards for aerospace/defence systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a commitment to producing high-quality documentation.
• Familiarity with tools such as AMD Xilinx Vivado, Intel Altera Quartus II, HDL Designer, Altium Designer, Eclipse, Git, and simulation tools like ModelSim or Questa is a distinct advantage.