Thales UK – Firmware Engineer (Defence & Aerospace)

Thales provides armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment. We deliver a full range of defence mission systems solutions across land, sea, and air, including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.

As a Firmware Engineer you will join a team with a proven track record for delivering firmware across a wide range of defence products. Your work will involve the complete firmware life‑cycle, from architecture and specification through to verification, validation and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams (systems, software, hardware engineers) to deliver firmware projects on schedule, within budget and to quality requirements.
• Design firmware using Hardware Description Languages (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog).
• Verify firmware using Hardware Verification Languages or design verification techniques.
• Enhance firmware processes: documentation, scripting, reporting and process automation.
• Support project activities at customer sites or integration facilities as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• BEng/MEng/EngD/PhD in Electronics or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Membership or pursuit of a professional engineering body (chartered status preferred).
• Experience interfacing with external customers and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Verification Test bench architecture (SystemVerilog, C++), Advanced VHDL, OSVVM/UVVM.
• Familiarity with Requirements Management tools (IBM Rational DOORS), simulation tools (Mentor Graphics Modelsim/QuestaSim).
• Experience with digital design languages (VHDL, Verilog/ SystemVerilog) and vendor‑specific development tools.
• File familiarity with PCIe, Ethernet, Serial communications, AXI4, object‑oriented design techniques and image processing algorithms.
• Experience with MATLAB and Linux development environments.

Personal Attributes

• Team player with a can‑do attitude, promoting inclusiveness and diversity.
• Self‑starter capable of managing workload, meeting objectives and contributing to broader operational goals.
• Proactive in solving complex problems, asking challenging questions, and proposing innovative ideas.

Security Clearance

UK National required. The role requires Security Clearance (SC) without caveats. Existing clearance is an advantage; if not held, the successful candidate must obtain SC clearance before employment. Candidates may include dual nationals from non‑ITAR countries upon MOD approval.

Benefits & Development

Full range of flexible working options including part‑time, job sharing, home working and flexible start/finish times. Support for professional registration, membership fees, and access to an extensive e‑Learning Engine.

Inclusive Recruitment

Thales UK is committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We provide reasonable adjustments and support for neuro‑diverse applicants, those with disabilities or long‑term conditions. Contact the Resourcing Ops team for mid‑senior roles or the Early Careers team for graduate and apprentice roles.