Principal FPGA/ PLD Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 22, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 19, 2026. BAE Systems scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Title: Principal PLD/FPGA Engineer
Location: Rochester - Onsite
Salary: 65 - 75k per annum
Relocation package is available for this position.
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description:
As a Principal PLD / FPGA Engineer, you will provide technical leadershipin the design, development and verification of FPGA-based solutions for a wide range of commercial and military platforms. Working within an engaged, dedicated team of experts, you will help solve complexengineering challengesand deliver robust, high-integrity digital solutions for mission computers, displays, flight controlsand other safety- and mission-critical applications.
Your work will be at the heart of developing and evolving real-time products, including industry-leading Head Up and Head Worn Displays, as well as Safety-Critical Pilot and Vehicle ControlSystems. From shaping new product architectures to strategically integrating emerging technologies into established systems, you will use your expertiseand technical leadershipto drive innovation, performance and reliability throughout the product lifecycle.
Core duties:
Leadthe definition, architecture and development of PLD/FPGA solutions, translating complexsystem needs into robust device requirements and designs. Apply Model-Based Engineering (MBE) and SysML techniques to develop architectures, resolve complexengineering challengesand drive best practice and continuous improvement
Leadthe independentverification and integration of PLD/FPGA solutions, demonstrating compliance with device requirements through simulation, analysisand laboratory testing. Leadintegration within real-time systems, working across systems, electronics and software disciplines to ensure robust and reliable performance
Owntechnical delivery of PLD/FPGA work packages throughout the product lifecycle, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to resolve issues, managechange and deliver verified solutions. Ensure technical excellence through peer review and oversight, while maintaining accountability for progress, performance, risks and successful delivery
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to effectively capture and maintain lifecycle artefacts throughout development
Essential Skills:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline, ideally with a focus on digital systems, FPGA/VLSI design, reconfigurable computing, embedded systems or microelectronics
- At Chartered Engineer (CEng) level (or equivalent level of capability)
- Deep PLD/FPGA technical expertise, with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement and specialist techniques to analyseand resolve complextechnical challenges
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complextechnical solutions clearly and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
- A proventeam playerwho is equally comfortable working independentlyor as part of a multidisciplinary team
The FPGA Team:
Join a small, highly skilled team of FPGA specialists working on some of the most challenginghigh-integrity engineering problems in aerospace and defence. You will have the opportunity to influence FPGA architectures and technical decisions, collaborate with experts across multiple engineering disciplines, and seeyour work become part of real-world mission computers, displays and flight controlsystems.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidenceand be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strongsense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export controlrestrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the rolesyou are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicantsmustas a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicantsmusttypically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 2nd November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.