Embedded Systems Engineer (FPGA)

Embedded Systems Engineer (FPGA)

Livingston | Permanent | £45-50k + Performance Bonus + Benefits

About the Company

We're partnered with a globally recognised scientific instrumentation company with many years of expertise designing and manufacturing advanced systems. Their instruments are used by researchers and scientists worldwide. Part of a fast-growing international group of high-technology businesses, they continue to invest heavily in R&D and product development, with strong growth expectations in the years ahead.

The Opportunity

This is a technically rich embedded systems role at the heart of a genuine R&D environment. You'll be designing, developing and verifying FPGA-based solutions and embedded firmware across a range of cutting-edge scientific instruments. You will work closely with electronic engineers to deliver integrated hardware-software solutions. If you want your work to power instruments that push the boundaries of scientific measurement, this is the role.

Please note: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

What You'll Be Doing

Develop, implement and verify FPGA-based designs using VHDL or Verilog, alongside embedded software for microcontrollers and peripheral interfaces.

Develop device drivers, firmware and low-level software for peripherals and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, DDR, UART, CAN etc).

Collaborate with electronic engineers to ensure seamless software & hardware integration.

Debug, verify and validate embedded systems using lab tools including oscilloscopes, logic analysers and debuggers.

Propose and implement solutions in a dynamic R&D environment where requirements may not always be clearly defined.

Support prototype builds and production transfer also troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.

Maintain and improve legacy codebases as needed.

Stay current with emerging technologies and advise the business on developments that may affect performance or product direction.

What We're Looking For

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline.

Critical to have experience with FPGA development and toolchains. (ideally Xilinx Vivado, synthesis, simulation and implementation).

Proficiency in VHDL/Verilog and C/C++ for embedded systems development.

Experience with the Cypress FX2/FX3 platform, USB 3.0 protocol and associated tools.

Experience with microprocessors including ARM Cortex-M, 8051, AVR or PIC.

Familiarity with embedded development tools, compilers, debuggers and version control (Git).

Strong understanding of RTOS or bare-metal development.

Solid grasp of electronics fundamentals with ability to read schematics and device datasheets.

Experience developing and consuming DLLs for hardware-software integration.

Analytical problem-solving skills, with a structured approach to debugging, testing and documentation.

Effective communicator and confident collaborator within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Why This Role?

Work on technically challenging problems in a genuine R&D environment, your solutions will power instruments used by scientists globally.

Join an established, growing and globally recognised business where innovation is encouraged and expertise is valued.

Flexible 37.5-hour working week with early Friday finish.

Excellent career development opportunities within a growing international group.

Supportive, inclusive team culture with a strong commitment to equal opportunities.

Package

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 + £performance-related £bonus

Working pattern: 37.5 h/p/w, Hybrid 80% in office, early Friday finish

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme, permanent health insurance and death-in-service benefit

Generous holiday allowance

Subsidised gym membership

Keywords

Embedded Systems, FPGA, VHDL, Verilog, Xilinx Vivado, C, C++, Firmware, Device Drivers, RTOS, Bare-Metal, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, USB 3.0, Cypress FX2, FX3, ARM Cortex-M, AVR, PIC, 8051, DLL, Git, Oscilloscope, Logic Analyser, Hardware-Software Integration, Scientific Instrumentation, Spectroscopy, Embedded Software