FPGA & VHDL Engineer

Electronic & Firmware Engineer

Location: Barton-under-Needwood
Contract: Outside IR35

Job Purpose

To provide electronic and firmware engineering expertise to engineering and project teams delivering a locomotive re-power project for Hong Kong.

Qualifications & Experience

Engineering degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the design, development, and testing of electronic control equipment hardware within the railway industry

Experience using Electrical & Electronic CAD systems (e.g., AutoCAD, Altium)

Proficiency in VHDL programming and developing FPGA-based systems

Experience in digital and analogue electronics hardware design and PCB manufacture

Knowledge and experience in designing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Essential Attributes

Positive attitude, self-motivated and aware of personal strengths

Able to work with limited supervision, manage workload effectively, and make sound decisions

Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical issues clearly and concisely

Proficient in the use of common office applications and tools, including Microsoft® Office™

Willingness to work at different locations (potentially abroad) to support project delivery and product performance

Principal Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Develop FPGA firmware in VHDL, including programming, debugging, and testing

Implement amendments to FPGA software in response to design changes or issues

Apply understanding of FPGA architecture to optimise performance

Integrate FPGA software with wider system components

Design and develop PCB hardware for the rail industry, including schematic capture, layout, and manufacturing

Apply modifications to existing PCB designs and troubleshoot using Altium

Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices for rail electronics

Produce and check technical documentation, including specifications, design information, test plans, reports, and verification evidence

Provide evidence to support conformance with standards such as BS EN 50155

Conduct risk evaluation, assessment, and mitigation related to electronic system safety hazards

Support investigations into electronic system and component failures, identify root cause, and present findings

Support validation of electronic control equipment—including type, routine, and compliance testing—along with installation and commissioning activities at customer sites

Specify test equipment and develop requirements for measuring or monitoring electrical and electronic systems in operation

Perform any other duties within capability, training, or experience

Quality, Health & Safety

Comply with all company and statutory Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental, and related policies and procedures

Support proactive Health & Safety management processes

Ensure investigations and reporting on defective or failed components are completed in line with policies and timescales

Customer

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the customer to support the company’s reputation as a high-quality provider of railway vehicle services

Continuous Improvement

Identify improvement opportunities within the area of responsibility