Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2134 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,700, and Alpha Data | FPGA is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2129 (Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified., Firmware/FPGA work could be engineering n.e.c.). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer
Alpha Data | Edinburgh
Influence technical direction while remaining hands-on with cutting-edge technology.
If you're the kind of engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems and wants more influence over how products are designed and delivered, this could be an excellent next step.
Alpha Data is seeking a Senior/Lead Firmware Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation FPGA computing platforms used in some of the world's most demanding applications.
You'll help shape technical direction, mentor other engineers and work alongside highly experienced FPGA, hardware and software specialists on genuinely challenging projects.
As an employee-owned company with a flat organisational structure, Alpha Data empowers engineers to contribute ideas, influence products and make a visible impact without layers of bureaucracy getting in the way.
The Opportunity
You'll lead the design and development of software and firmware solutions for Alpha Data's FPGA platforms, combining hands-on technical work with technical leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Development and maintenance of APIs, SDK and device drivers for Alpha Data’s range of FPGA/SoC products.
- Develop and maintain firmware for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and embedded processors.
- Design, implement, and maintain software components, including device drivers and supporting tools for customer applications.
- Debug, test, and validate software and firmware to ensure reliability and performance.
- Respond to and resolve customer support requests relating to software and firmware issues.
- Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to ensure effective integration of software and electronic systems.
- Mentor and develope other engineers.
- Innovate and lead high-quality engineering practices.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- BSc/BEng in Electronics/Software Engineering (or higher).
- Minimum of 6 years’ relevant industry experience
- AMD/Xilinx FPGAs/SoCs and Vivado Design Suite
- Software/FPGA architecture design leadership
- Understanding and practice in Clock Domain Crossing (CDC)
- VHDL and/or Verilog + Vivado IPI
- C/C++
- Embedded Linux (Yocto) or other Embedded OS application programming
- Experience in device driver programming: In Linux, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Windows, or VxWorks
- Version control (Subversion, Git, etc)
Desirable
- FPGA timing analysis
- Java, JDK/JRE based applications
- Code Review
- Test/Verification Design
- CI/CD, (Jenkins). (automation of build and test)
- Software project management (JIRA)
- Ethernet protocol knowledge (level 1-4)
- PCIe (architecture and processor/FPGA interfacing)
- Experience with other I/O interface protocols, JESDC, Coaxpress, Camera Link, TSN, etc
Why Join Alpha Data?
- Employee-owned business with shared success
- Flat organisational structure and genuine technical influence
- Opportunity to shape products and engineering direction
- Work with recognised FPGA specialists
- Challenging projects with real-world impact
- Excellent opportunities for progression
- Hybrid working and competitive benefits package
Interested?
This role is being supported by Richard Cross at Eden Scott.
Apply via the links or contact Richard on 0131 550 1120 or richard.cross@edenscott.com.
Even if you're not actively looking, it's a role worth exploring.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Alpha Data | FPGA, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2134 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~343k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Alpha Data | FPGAAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Alpha Data | FPGA holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2134 going rate of £54,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.