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